In celebration of Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi in Abuja opened a new administrative block with 62 offices and other cutting-edge amenities on Friday.
Having commissioned the project at the FMC Jabi complex in Abuja, Minister of State for Health Joseph Ekumankama praised the FMC management’s efforts and financial restraint, noting that they ultimately led to the project’s timely and effective completion.
The First Lady has shown tremendous assistance in various ways, according to the hospital administration, and as a result, Nigerians now receive better medical care. For this reason, the building was named in her honour.
The Minister challenged the hospital’s administration and employees to improve their maintenance practises to maintain the facilities’ visual appeal and practicality for a very long time.
In his remarks, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, highlighted that the project was developed and started in 2021 due to the urgent need to clear the hospital’s existing facilities to make place for more clinical services in a healthier environment.
He said: “I was surprised by the space restrictions in this healthcare centre, which evidently had no designated administrative offices when I took over as CMD in 2020. This was a really difficult task, but we had to start somewhere, and over time, significant progress was made.
“Apart from the equipment support, ophthalmic complex, clinical services block, counselling centre and ward block extension, which are all at advanced stages of completion, there are now additional building projects continuing in the FMC complex.
“Through the hard effort and commitment of our personnel, as well as the availability of necessary equipment, we have enlarged our clientele. Some of the brightest minds in this nation were hired to work in this facility.
In particular, laser surgeries, open heart operations, spine and orthopaedic operations, complex neurosurgical interventions, diagnostic endoscopy, laparoscopic operations, hi-tech ophthalmic services, composite laboratory and radiologic support, comprehensive medical, antenatal and paediatric services, intensive care services, and others are performed in this facility.
The government should be commended for prioritising healthcare in order to ensure enhanced budgetary provision and smooth distribution of funding for capital projects, he said, adding that the complex was created using the normal capital budgets.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr Alex Tosan Ideh, expressed his gratitude for the hospital’s management and staff’s support and cooperation, which, in his opinion, improved the clinical services provided to patients.
He expressed confidence that the hospital will continue to expand in terms of advanced clinical and other services, which would further boost Nigerians’ faith and confidence in the institution’s ability to provide quality care.
