Wike Commissions 12 Ambulances, Assures Total Sector Transformation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming all sectors of the FCT, with a strong focus on strengthening the health system.

Wike gave this assurance on Thursday in Abuja during the official handover and commissioning of 12 brand new ambulances to support emergency healthcare services across the territory.

According to the Minister, the ambulances form part of broader efforts to improve emergency response within the FCT health system.

He disclosed that the administration is already in the process of rehabilitating and furnishing 14 health centres across the territory.

“Every sector will be looked into. As we speak, we are already in the procurement process of rehabilitating and furnishing 14 of our health centres,” Wike said.

He congratulated the Mandate Secretary and staff of the Health and Environmental Services Secretariat for successfully driving the initiative to fruition, noting that the ambulances will significantly enhance emergency healthcare delivery.

Addressing criticisms that his administration focuses heavily on road infrastructure, Wike explained that functional infrastructure is essential to effective emergency services.

“So many people ask why we are concentrating on road infrastructure or education. They forget that ambulances become useless when there are no good roads. During emergencies, if roads are not stable, the whole sense of emergency vehicles is defeated. So, first things first,” he stated.

On manpower challenges in the health sector, Wike disclosed that efforts were underway to employ additional health personnel to strengthen service delivery.

“We will do everything possible to give our people the best,” he assured.

Speaking earlier, the Mandate Secretary for Health and Environmental Services, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, commended the Minister for demonstrating a clear understanding of health systems, noting that healthcare goes beyond buildings and infrastructure.

“Health systems are not only about infrastructure. They include immunization, insurance, and most importantly, human resources,” she said.

Dr. Fasawe also noted that the administration has cleared long-outstanding allowances owed to healthcare workers, some dating back to 2021.

She specifically referenced the 13-monthd hazard allowance, wage awards, and medical residency training funds, noting that the FCT is currently the only state to have paid these entitlements in full.

She also highlighted other notable interventions, including the upgrade of the School of Nursing to a full-fledged College of Nursing, making it the first of its kind in the area.

According to her, the commissioning of the 12 ambulances marks a significant milestone in strengthening emergency healthcare delivery in the FCT.

“This initiative goes beyond the provision of ambulances. It reflects a commitment to people-centred governance, emergency preparedness, and improved health outcomes for all residents of the FCT,” she said.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji