FG Approves 50% Electricity Subsidy for Public Hospitals, Tertiary Institutions

The federal government has approved a 50% electricity subsidy for public hospitals, universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. This significant decision was announced 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 revealed that the subsidy, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to alleviate the financial burden on these essential public institutions. He noted that implementation plans are being developed by the Honourable Minister of Energy, promising that the benefits of the subsidy will soon be realized by these institutions.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has magnanimously approved a 50 percent electricity subsidy for all public hospitals and tertiary education institutions. The process of implementation is currently being developed, and soon these institutions will experience significant reductions in their energy costs,” said Dr. Alausa.

At the National Ear Care Centre, Dr. Alausa also commissioned several new facilities, including an auditorium, student hostel, oxygen plant, and molecular laboratory. These developments, he said, are in line with President Tinubu’s agenda to provide affordable and comprehensive healthcare to Nigerians.

Addressing broader issues within the healthcare sector, Dr. Alausa acknowledged the challenges posed by the “Japa” syndrome, which refers to the emigration of skilled professionals in search of better opportunities abroad. To counter this, he announced efforts to increase training quotas and improve remuneration for healthcare workers, encouraging them to remain in the country.

Additionally, Dr. Alausa outlined the Federal Ministry of Health’s plans to implement a national electronic medical system aimed at revolutionizing patient care and data management across the country.

“This government is committed to revamping all sectors of our economy, especially healthcare,” Dr. Alausa emphasized, noting that the 2024 budget allocation to health is the highest in the nation’s history. “We need to celebrate our healthcare professionals for their dedication and hard work in serving our citizens,” he added.

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, representing Governor Uba Sani, praised the leadership of the National Ear Care Centre for its transformative efforts. She assured continued support from the Kaduna State Government to maintain the Centre’s status as a leading institution in ENT care and research.

The Centre’s Medical Director, Dr. Mustapha Yaro, provided details on the newly completed projects, highlighting their role in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services. Among the key projects unveiled were a 200-capacity auditorium, a one-story 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 commended the government’s commitment to improving healthcare and called on others to emulate these efforts for the betterment of general health services.