Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the Barrister Nyesom Wike VIP Ward at the Maitama District Hospital in Abuja.
The mandate secretary for the FCTA secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the initiative aims to provide residents a comfortable environment to access quality healthcare services within the FCT.
The ward was named in honour of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, in recognition of his efforts to enhance access to quality healthcare and reduce medical tourism.
Fasawe explained that the ward underwent significant transformation, expanding from a three-bedroom facility to a five-bedroom amenity ward made possible through the generosity of philanthropists and corporate sponsors as part of their social responsibility initiatives.
“Beyond merely being a VIP ward, it serves as an amenity ward, all patients deserve quality treatment,” Fasawe stated.
She called the BNW VIP ward a “strategic intervention” to ensure that residents can avail themselves of similar services in public hospitals without needing to resort to private healthcare due to a lack of facilities.
She emphasised the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere in hospitals, encouraging patients to seek medical care rather than relying on self-medication at home.
“As we unveil the BNW VIP Ward today, we reaffirm Wike’s dedication to initiatives that enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve patient care. This ward will stand as a symbol of our commitment to elevating healthcare standards in our nation,” she added.
She disclosed that health workers within the Health Services and Environment Secretariat would have free access to the ward’s facilities.
While the ward is open to all residents who can afford its services, those with health insurance will be able to utilise the BNW ward at a subsidised cost.
Additionally, Fasawe announced plans in the FCTA’s 2025 budget for the rehabilitation and upgrade of 14 general hospitals which will also include improvements to doctors’ call rooms.
The medical director of Maitama District Hospital, Dr Rita Idemudia, noted that the establishment of the BNW VIP ward aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The WHO country representative in Nigeria, Dr Walta Mulombo, praised the initiative, emphasising that the BNW VIP ward should be accessible to all, not just VIPs.
He underscored the importance of developing the National Health Insurance scheme to help cover costs for all Nigerians requiring admission to such facilities.
The chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Mr. Jama Medan, described having a conducive healthcare environment as “essential” for delivering quality services to FCT residents.
