- Wike Hands Over 12 New Ambulances to FCT Hospitals
- Improved roads linked to effective emergency healthcare
- FCTA clears health workers’ allowances, upgrades facilities
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday handed over 12 newly acquired ambulances to hospitals across the territory as part of efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare services in Abuja.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the handover ceremony, held in the FCT, highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving access to timely medical response, especially in critical and life threatening situations.
Speaking at the event, Wike said the provision of ambulances is linked to the FCT Administration’s wider investments in road infrastructure, education and healthcare, stressing that effective emergency services depend heavily on good road networks.
He explained that ambulances cannot function optimally if road conditions are poor, noting that emergency response becomes ineffective when patients cannot be reached quickly.
“So many people were saying, ‘Why are we concentrating on road infrastructure? Why are we focusing on education?’ But people forget that these ambulances may break down when there are no good roads,” Wike said.
“When patients call 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.”
The minister also revealed that 14 health centres across the FCT are currently undergoing rehabilitation and furnishing. He added that directives have been given to the FCT Head of Civil Service and relevant authorities to recruit more health workers to strengthen service delivery.
“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 acquisition of the ambulances as a major milestone in improving emergency healthcare in the territory.
She said the initiative reflects the administration’s people focused approach, improved emergency preparedness and commitment to better health outcomes.
Dr Fasawe noted that ongoing road projects have significantly improved access to health facilities, particularly in rural communities, citing reduced travel time in areas such as Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada.
She also disclosed that the administration has cleared outstanding health workers’ allowances dating back to 2021, including hazard allowance, wage awards and medical residency training funds. She added that the upgrade of the FCT School of Nursing to a College of Nursing further demonstrates the administration’s commitment to quality healthcare.
