Nigerian Air Force Advocates for Healthcare Enhancement
Aysha S. Rabo
In a significant stride towards bolstering healthcare provisions for its personnel, the Nigerian Air Force, aligning with the directives and vision set forth by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, has underscored the need for alignment of the healthcare initiative with the command’s philosophy, emphasising the need to maintain a highly motivated force through enhanced welfare and infrastructure renewal.
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The focal point of the meeting, themed “Expanding Health Insurance Coverage of the Armed Forces Nigeria,” resonates with the commitment to providing comprehensive health coverage not only to serving personnel but also extending the umbrella of care to include their families. This inclusive approach signifies a positive step towards ensuring a continuum of healthcare support for military personnel even after their service tenure, a move lauded by many.
“There are shortcomings in the current healthcare scheme that needs urgent attention. The scheme, while commendable, has struggled to keep pace with the rapid expansion of the Nigerian Air Force in recent years. The existence of exclusion lists and the requirement for payment for specific medical services by personnel seeking attention are areas that requires immediate scrutiny,” Air Mashal I Sani, speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, identified.
He concluded by extending appreciation on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force, to all participants at the 11th Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) stakeholders meeting, for their participation and contributions at the stakeholders meeting, wishing them a fruitful and productive deliberation.
The NAF also raised concerns regarding an inflationary trend and the adequacy of the capitation fund provided by the Defense Health Maintenance Limited for subsequent remittance to hospitals.
Nigerian Air Force Advocates for Healthcare Enhancement