The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja, has taken a significant stride in enhancing healthcare delivery with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art clinical services building and a ward extension complex by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
Speaking during his official visit to the facility on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring accessible, qualitative, and effective healthcare, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
“The provision of effective, qualitative, and accessible healthcare is the second pillar of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, treating healthcare as an urgent right for all Nigerians,” Dr. Salako emphasized.
State-of-the-Art Additions to FMC Jabi
The newly commissioned projects include:
A 64-bed ward extension, featuring private, semi-private, and open wards to address bed space challenges.
A three-story clinical services complex, housing a dedicated renal unit equipped with 18 hemodialysis beds and facilities to commence kidney transplantation services within weeks.
These additions aim to position FMC Jabi as a leader in specialized healthcare, particularly in addressing the rising demand for renal care.
Advocating Patient-Centric Care
Dr. Salako commended the management and staff of FMC Jabi for their dedication, urging them to prioritize patient-centered service delivery.
“Buildings and equipment alone cannot deliver quality healthcare without a responsible, responsive, and well-trained staff. Patients’ experiences begin with the humaneness of their interactions, which must be marked by empathy and civility,” he said.
Focus on Outcomes and Digitalization
The Minister underscored the Federal Ministry of Health’s shift toward prioritizing healthcare outcomes over infrastructure sophistication. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve standards through the rejuvenation of the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee and the implementation of the Nigeria Digital in-Health (NDHi) initiative to enhance patient feedback and care quality.
Affordable Dialysis Initiative
Dr. Salako announced that FMC Jabi is likely to join the Federal Government’s initiative to reduce dialysis costs by 80% in select tertiary health institutions. This aligns with broader reforms, such as the removal of tariffs on pharmaceuticals and expanded coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to make healthcare services more affordable and accessible.
Call for Sustainability
Emphasizing the importance of maintenance, the Minister urged FMC Jabi’s management to adopt preventative measures to ensure the longevity of the new facilities.
“The Ministry will continue to support you with policies and resource mobilization to maximize the return on these investments,” he assured.
A New Era in Tertiary Healthcare
Dr. Salako expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the health sector, while commending the staff of FMC Jabi for their dedication.
With the commissioning of these ultramodern facilities, FMC Jabi is set to raise the bar in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, reducing the need for medical tourism and improving access to advanced medical services for all Nigerians.
