In a decisive step toward tackling the persistent electricity crisis in public healthcare facilities, the Federal Government has inaugurated an Implementation Committee for the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector. The initiative aims to secure sustainable electrification for hospitals and other medical institutions nationwide.
Honorable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who unveiled the committee at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, underscored the urgent need for a holistic approach to resolving power supply issues in public hospitals.
"It is obvious that the current efforts are neither integrated nor guided by any overarching policy or framework," Dr. Salako stated. "We can no longer afford business as usual while hospitals struggle with mounting energy bills that run into hundreds of millions of naira. It is time for all hands to be on deck to relieve our hospitals of these prohibitive costs."
The national dialogue seeks to enhance public-private partnerships to ensure a steady electricity supply to health institutions. The committee will explore alternative and sustainable energy sources, including renewable energy solutions, backup power systems, and energy-efficient innovations to improve power reliability in tertiary and other health facilities across the country.
Dr. Salako emphasized that the committee has been mandated to convene the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector, ensure the effective implementation of its recommendations, and mobilize resources to attract investments for sustainable electrification using a whole-of-government approach.
He also acknowledged the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in prioritizing the health sector, stating that these efforts are paving the way for Nigeria’s journey towards universal health coverage.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Salahudeen Jimoh, the Director of the Hospital Services Department, highlighted the crucial role of stable electricity in ensuring efficient healthcare service delivery. She expressed optimism that the dialogue, comprising key stakeholders, would yield lasting solutions to the electricity crisis plaguing the nation’s healthcare facilities.