Abuja’s Maitama Hospital opens VIP ward named after Wike

In a move to reduce medical tourism among high-profile Nigerians, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Secretariat has inaugurated the Barrister Nyesom Wike (BNW) VIP Ward at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja.

The state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance healthcare delivery in the nation’s capital and provide an alternative to foreign medical treatment.

Speaking at the unveiling on Thursday, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the VIP ward as a world-class healthcare facility equipped to match international standards.

Fitted with cutting-edge medical technology, luxurious private rooms, and a team of highly trained specialists, the ward will also offer discounted services to FCT health workers and staff. Fasawe emphasized that upgrading healthcare infrastructure would improve service delivery and working conditions for medical personnel.

She further highlighted that the BNW VIP Ward was established through a public-private partnership, acknowledging financial contributions from Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and other key stakeholders. She also underscored the importance of better remuneration for health workers to sustain high-quality service.

Additionally, Fasawe announced that the FCT Minister had approved the establishment of similar VIP wards in the remaining 13 hospitals across the territory. This initiative aligns with the administration’s vision to modernize healthcare infrastructure and reduce Nigerians’ reliance on foreign medical treatment.

The Managing Director of Maitama District Hospital, Dr. Rita Idemudia, commended the initiative, expressing confidence that with continued stakeholder support, Abuja could set a benchmark for quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Similarly, the Acting Director General of the FCT Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello, highlighted the benefits of the project, including improved access to quality healthcare and cost savings. He noted that by offering high-standard medical services locally, patients could avoid significant expenses related to travel, accommodation, and medical bills abroad.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), FCT Chapter, Dr. Emeka Ayogu, lauded the development, stating that it would help curb brain drain in the health sector. However, he urged the FCT Administration to expedite the replication of VIP wards in all designated hospitals.

Likewise, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, FCT Chapter, Comrade Jama Medan, described the initiative as timely, given the rising trend of health professionals migrating overseas. He noted that the new facility would not only boost patronage of FCT hospitals but also provide Nigerian medical practitioners with exposure to advanced healthcare practices, reducing the need for overseas training.