The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday distributed 12 newly acquired ambulances to hospitals across the FCT as part of measures to enhance emergency medical response.
The handover ceremony, held in Abuja, formed part of the FCT Administration’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery and emergency preparedness within the territory.
Wike explained that investments in healthcare, education and road infrastructure are closely linked, stressing that emergency services cannot function effectively without good roads.
He said, “So many people were saying, ‘Why are we concentrating on road infrastructure?’ So many people were saying, why are we focusing on education?
“But people forget that these ambulances may break down when there are no good roads. When patients call during and the roads are not in good condition, then the whole sense of the emergency vehicles becomes useless.
“So first things first, and that’s what we have been able to do as we speak here.”
The minister disclosed that the FCT Administration is currently rehabilitating and equipping 14 health centres across the territory to improve service delivery.
He also revealed that the Head of Civil Service and other relevant authorities have been directed to recruit additional healthcare personnel to further strengthen the sector.
“For us, we will do everything possible to give our people the best,” Wike said.
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Olalodipo Fasawe, described the provision of the ambulances as a significant boost to emergency healthcare delivery in the territory.
She noted that the initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to people-focused governance, improved emergency response and better health outcomes.
According to her, road infrastructure projects executed by the FCT Administration have greatly improved access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural communities.
“Under the focused leadership of the FCT Minister, we have been able to see strategic investment in road infrastructure across the city.
“This has directly impacted healthcare. For example, in areas like Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, the A2 to Pai road construction has made a journey that used to take one and a half hours to about 30 minutes,” she stated.
Fasawe added that the administration has also prioritised the welfare of healthcare workers, including the settlement of outstanding allowances owed since 2021.
She said, “It is heartwarming that this administration has paid allowances that have been due since 2021. I wish to particularly refer to the 13 months hazard allowance for healthcare workers and wage award and the medical residency training fund.
“I can confidently say that FCT is the only state that has paid all these allowances up to date.
“There have been many other interventions including the upgrade of the FCT School of Nursing to a full-fledged College of Nursing.
“All these interventions show a deliberate and coordinated effort to deliver accessible, high-quality and responsible healthcare for the people of the FCT.”
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