Dr. Alausa stated that the electricity subsidy, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to alleviate the financial burden of energy costs on public healthcare and educational institutions
Kaduna, Nigeria — The Federal Government has approved a 50% electricity subsidy for all public hospitals and tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.
This significant policy was disclosed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the commissioning of several completed projects at the National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna on Thursday.
Dr. Alausa stated that the electricity subsidy, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to alleviate the financial burden of energy costs on public healthcare and educational institutions. “The implementation plans and strategies are currently being developed by the Honourable Minister of Energy,” he said. “Soon, hospitals and the public education system will experience significant reductions in the prices they pay for electricity.”
In line with President Tinubu’s agenda to provide affordable and comprehensive healthcare, the Minister also highlighted the newly commissioned projects at the National Ear Care Centre, which include an auditorium, a student hostel, an oxygen plant, and a molecular laboratory.
These developments are seen as crucial steps toward enhancing healthcare service delivery and medical training in the country.
Dr. Alausa also addressed ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector, particularly the impact of the “Japa” syndrome, which refers to the migration of medical professionals out of the country. He announced efforts to increase training quotas and improve remuneration to encourage healthcare workers to remain in Nigeria.
Additionally, plans to implement a national electronic medical system were outlined, which aims to revolutionize patient care and data management.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to revamping the health sector, noting that the 2024 budget includes the highest allocation to health in the nation’s history.
“President Tinubu is committed to expanding and improving the human capacity index, and this is evident in every sector of the economy,” he said. He called on citizens to remain patient and positive, assuring that the President is on track to fulfill his promises.
Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani, commended the leadership of the National Ear Care Centre for its transformative efforts.
She assured the Centre that the Kaduna State Government would continue to support its efforts to remain a leading institution in ENT care and research.
Dr. Mustapha Yaro, the Centre’s Medical Director, outlined the newly completed projects as part of a broader effort to enhance healthcare infrastructure.
Among the key projects unveiled were a 200-capacity auditorium, a one-storey student hostel for the School of Post Basic ORL Nursing, a newly constructed oxygen plant, and a state-of-the-art molecular laboratory accredited by the Centre for Disease Control for managing infectious diseases like diphtheria.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, also expressed his appreciation for the government’s commitment to improving healthcare and called on others to emulate these efforts for broader health improvements.
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