- The Nigerian government has approved a 50 per cent electricity subsidy for public hospitals to reduce operational costs and ease patient burdens.
- Minister of State for Health Dr. Tunji Alausa announced plans to rename the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital to a specialist hospital.
The Nigerian government has announced a significant new initiative to support public hospitals by approving a 50 per cent electricity subsidy. This move aims to reduce operational costs for these facilities and ease the financial burden on patients. Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced the initiative during a recent visit to the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna State.
Dr. Alausa emphasised that the electricity subsidy is part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and affordability of healthcare services in Nigeria. By cutting electricity costs, the government hopes to alleviate some financial pressures public hospitals face, ultimately benefiting patients who rely on these essential services. The subsidy is expected to help hospitals manage their resources more effectively and focus more on patient care rather than operational expenses.
In addition to the subsidy, Dr Alausa announced plans to rename the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital to reflect its evolving role better. The hospital will be rebranded as a specialist hospital, which aims to expand care delivery and reduce the stigma associated with psychiatric facilities. This rebranding is intended to make the hospital more accessible and appealing to a broader range of patients while maintaining its core psychiatric services.
Dr. Alausa also commissioned several new infrastructure projects at the hospital during his visit. These include the Electronic Health Records system and an alternative power supply at the Lawal Jafaru Isah Emergency Complex. Additionally, a solarisation project has been implemented at the dialysis unit, which features a solar-powered borehole and a 10.2 KVA inverter with a lithium battery installed at the Abdulkareem Jika Yusuf COVID-19 Intervention Centre. These upgrades are designed to improve the hospital’s energy efficiency and ensure reliable power supply for critical services.
Dr Alausa highlighted the importance of these developments, noting that they are part of a more significant effort to modernise and improve public healthcare facilities across Nigeria. Introducing solar energy solutions and advanced health record systems will enhance operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
Overall, the government’s initiatives reflect a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system by reducing operational costs, expanding service capabilities, and improving the overall quality of patient care.