Bukola Afeni
As part of efforts to tackle the pressing issue of medical equipment maintenance deficits, the Federal Government has announced a plan to establish a National Biomedical Engineering program.
While stating that it is a development of a broader initiative to improve the healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria.
During a recent visit to the National Hospital, Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, expressed concern over the ageing and non-functional medical equipment within the hospital.
He highlighted the urgent need to address the challenge, as it affects critical areas such as cancer care and radiology.
Prof. Pate emphasized that this issue is not unique to the National Hospital but extends to other tertiary hospitals across the country.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will create a National Biomedical Engineering program to begin addressing the equipment maintenance deficit”, he said.
The Minister disclosed that efforts are underway to assess the needs of all teaching hospitals, with a focus on incorporating solar power solutions to reduce the reliance on diesel, which can be costly.
” There is a need for consistent power supply to healthcare facilities. We want to collaborate with the Ministry of Power and power holding companies to prioritize power supply to health facilities, ensuring they can function efficiently”, Pate added.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the National Hospital, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, explained that the establishment of the National Biomedical Engineering program
is a laudable feat in the healthcare sector.
“This is part of the government’s commitment to addressing equipment maintenance issues. It is a significant step toward improving healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria.
The goal is to ensure that patients receive high-quality medical care with access to well-maintained and up-to-date equipment”, said Prog Mahmud.
He said the National Hospital has expanded its services over the years, and this expansion has caused a strain on some of the infrastructures.
‘The hospital was initially designed as a quaternary healthcare institution for children and women. Some of the infrastructures are more than two decades old”, he noted.
The CMD is optimistic that the Minister’s visit will bring about great development.
