By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has pledged the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery for Armed Forces personnel, with a focus on reducing medical tourism and expanding in-country treatment capacity.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, General Musa stated that the government is prioritising a robust, self reliant military healthcare system to ensure that personnel receive high quality, accessible, and timely care.
“Nigeria has expended substantial resources on overseas medical treatment in the past,” he said. “We must build confidence in our own institutions by providing reliable services that meet global standards.”
The minister outlined ongoing reforms in the Defence Health Sector, including improved medical screening, early diagnosis, and enhanced capacity to manage critical conditions such as cardiovascular disease. He also highlighted new measures to establish a comprehensive mental health framework for personnel facing the psychological demands of operations against insurgency and banditry.
Addressing security challenges, General Musa expressed concern over the risks to medical personnel deployed in conflict zones and stated that steps are being taken to strengthen their protection and operational support.
He further disclosed plans to harmonise medical reporting systems across the Army, Navy, and Air Force to improve coordination and efficiency, as well as ongoing collaboration with international partners to enhance training and healthcare standards.
During the visit, the minister met Officer Cadet Salim Abdulnazir, who is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during training at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He commended AMCE’s management and staff for their professionalism and the facility’s world class standards.
In her remarks, the Chief Medical Officer of AMCE, Dr Aisha Umar welcomed the minister and reaffirmed the centre’s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Defence. She said AMCE is equipped with qualified professionals and state-of-the-art facilities capable of delivering care comparable to global standards.
General Musa expressed confidence that the interventions would improve health outcomes, boost personnel welfare, and build a more resilient military healthcare system.
