The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to improving the well-being of Nigerians by ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.
She made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday during the 25th anniversary celebration of the National Hospital, Abuja, themed “Celebrating 25 years of Quality Services and Expert Care.”
In her address, the First Lady praised the efforts of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Muhammad Raji, and the entire staff for their dedication to advancing the health and well-being of the Nigerian population.
She also urged the hospital’s staff and management to maintain resilience and continue striving for excellence to ensure the continued positive impact of their work on the lives of Nigerians seeking quality medical care.
Mrs. Tinubu further underscored the importance of investing in the nation’s health, calling on all stakeholders to reflect on and contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare in Nigeria.
The First Lady also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the late First Lady, Hajia Maryam Abacha, whose vision and Family Support Programme led to the establishment of a national hospital for women and children. She shared that the hospital’s mandate was later expanded in 1999 to become Nigeria’s apex referral facility and was renamed the National Hospital, Abuja.
In honour of the anniversary, Mrs. Tinubu announced that the Radiotherapy Centre would be renamed the Mariam Abacha Radiotherapy Centre.
During the event, she also inaugurated the Radiotherapy Centre and planted trees to mark her visit to the hospital, further emphasizing her dedication to supporting healthcare development in Nigeria.
“Every Nigerian deserves quality health care, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“The Federal Government, under the able leadership of President Tinubu, is committed to rebuilding the healthcare system in Nigeria.
“Therefore, the NHA plays a vital role in ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality and affordable healthcare.
“As we look to the future, I urge members of staff and management of this great hospital to remain resilient and strive for excellence so that you can continue to positively impact the lives of many that seek qualitative medical care,” she said.
She continued, “The establishment of this facility would not have been possible without the foresight of the former First Lady, Hajia Maryam Abacha, whose vision, under her national programme, Family Support Programme (FSP), birthed the idea that led to the establishment of a national hospital for Women and Children.
“The mandate of the hospital was later changed in 1999 to serve as an apex referral hospital in Nigeria to cater for all and was renamed the National Hospital, Abuja.”
” In the spirit of the anniversary, therefore, the Radiotherapy Centre will be named Mariam Abacha Radiotherapy Centre,” the first lady added.
