By Gabriel Ameh
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving healthcare services for military personnel and their families, describing access to quality medical care as critical to troop morale and operational effectiveness.
Shaibu made the commitment on Thursday while commissioning the newly constructed Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
He urged the Medical Corps to strengthen healthcare delivery to officers, soldiers, their families and residents of military barracks, stressing that personnel welfare must remain central to military administration.
According to the Army Chief, investment in healthcare goes beyond treating illnesses, as the physical well-being of soldiers and their families contributes significantly to maintaining a healthy, motivated and combat-ready force.
He noted that access to responsive and quality medical services would improve operational efficiency while reassuring military personnel that their welfare and that of their loved ones remained a priority.
Shaibu also commended the Nigerian Army Medical Corps for its contributions to military operations, routine healthcare services and humanitarian interventions across the country.
He explained that the newly commissioned headquarters would strengthen administrative coordination, enhance healthcare delivery and provide a more conducive working environment for the Corps to carry out its responsibilities.
The COAS charged the Medical Corps to maximise the use of the facility by promoting innovation, professionalism and efficient healthcare services.
He said the directive was consistent with his Command Philosophy of Sound Administration and the Soldier First Concept, which places the welfare of military personnel at the centre of military leadership.
Earlier, the Corps Commander Medical, Brig.-Gen. Innocent Ewunchola, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his leadership and sustained investment in medical infrastructure.
Ewunchola assured that the Corps would continue to provide accessible, efficient and quality healthcare to all eligible beneficiaries.
He also pledged that the facility would be properly maintained and effectively utilised to achieve its intended purpose.
The commissioning marks another step in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen its medical infrastructure and improve healthcare support for personnel and their families.
