President Muhammadu Buhari is set to unveil the Presidential Wing of the State House Medical Centre in Abuja on Friday, May 19th. The inauguration comes just days after his return from a medical trip to London, UK. In a statement released by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, it was announced that President Buhari, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, will conduct a guided tour of the hospital following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The project, which is located within the premises of the Presidential Villa, had its ground-breaking ceremony conducted by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, on November 1, 2021. Spanning a total floor area of 2,485 square meters, the hospital serves as a specialized Intensive Care Centre catering to the President, Vice President, their immediate families, and VIPs.
The Presidential Wing boasts several specialized departments, staffed by a team of medical professionals, including consultation rooms dedicated to various specialties such as respiratory, cardiology, ophthalmology, ENT, and general consultation. The facility also features a state-of-the-art X-ray suite equipped with a digital X-ray machine, as well as a diagnostic suite with MRI, CT scan, and endoscopy facilities. Patients and visitors can also enjoy access to a Healing Garden, designed to promote healing, relaxation, and overall well-being.
With a total cost of N21 billion, the VIP Wing showcases advanced amenities such as a Catheterization Laboratory and, two operating rooms for regular and special procedures like organ transplants. This legacy project aims to provide world-class healthcare services to the country’s top officials.
The State House Permanent Secretary, Tijjani Umar, expressed his excitement about the upcoming inauguration, highlighting the transformative impact this project will have. He stated, “We are delighted that Mr. President has graciously agreed to inaugurate this project as he nears the end of his tenure. Since its inception in 2021, the State House Management has completed several projects, including a Special Care Centre, a Biosafety Level 2 Molecular Laboratory, a medium capacity incinerator, and the Dental Wing Extension Building at the State House Medical Centre. This latest addition further underscores our commitment to delivering quality healthcare services.”
In addition to the unveiling of the Presidential Wing, the State House Management has accomplished several other projects, including the construction of a block of 2-bedroom flats at the Medical Centre’s Staff Quarters and a 54-seater State House Multi-Purpose Training Centre at the Auditorium. The Conference Car Unit workshop and the Modern Fleet Management hub are scheduled to be commissioned next week.
The relocation of the dispensary from the administrative section of the State House to the VIP wing of the Medical Centre was previously reported. This move further emphasizes the focus on providing comprehensive and efficient medical care to the highest-ranking government officials.
The inauguration of the Presidential/VIP Wing marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of healthcare services in Nigeria. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its leaders and underscores the importance of accessible and modern medical facilities.