Abuja: Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), announced the development of new hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the aim of improving access to quality healthcare.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Fasawe made this disclosure in Abuja during a capacity development training for health managers in the FCT. She highlighted that more than six to seven world-class hospitals have already been established in the territory, with plans for additional facilities to address the access gap. Fasawe emphasized the need for adequate human resources, stating, "You will soon start to see new hospitals in the FCT, but we can't build new hospitals when there is no adequate human resource. Our doctors are running away but we are working on that right now."
Fasawe also mentioned that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is actively working on enhancing the human resource capacity for health. She noted that under his administration, there has been a significant increase in the health workforce by over 1,000 and an unprecedented budget allocation for the health sector in 2025. Additionally, some health workers have seen their salaries double, and a uniform allowance has been paid to FCT doctors for the first time.
She assured that the administration is committed to health sector development, with a detailed annual operational plan outlining financial needs, including miscellaneous expenses. Fasawe expressed confidence in the FCT Minister's commitment to repositioning the health sector, despite the country's limited resources and the numerous demands across various sectors.
Fasawe praised President Bola Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope Agenda' for its transformative impact on the health sector, particularly through road projects that enhance access to health facilities. She acknowledged the cooperative relationship between doctors and other health workers in FCT secondary facilities and the FCT Administration, noting only one warning strike resolved swiftly by the minister.
However, she pointed out a prolonged general strike by area council workers, affecting primary healthcare centers, although essential services continued. Fasawe remains hopeful that Nigerian doctors working abroad will return to practice in the country, emphasizing the importance of attending to their welfare.