Nigerian Army Prioritizes Integrated Medical Services, Troops’ Welfare -COAS

By Toffa Momoh | Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasized the importance of integrated administrative protocols in optimizing medical services and enhancing the welfare of troops.

He made this statement during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), Surgeon Rear Admiral Azeeze Bayo Afolayan (Rtd), at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

General Shaibu highlighted the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining the physical and mental readiness of its personnel, particularly as they conduct complex operations across the country. He stressed that the welfare of troops extends beyond active service, emphasizing the need for a dignified sustenance of veterans.

The COAS noted that retirement often introduces socio-economic vulnerabilities, and it is the Army’s lifelong obligation to ensure that former service members receive financial and medical assistance. He praised the MD of DHML for his continued contribution to national service, describing him as a valuable asset with institutional memory.

Surgeon Rear Admiral Afolayan (Rtd) advocated for the institutionalization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in military medical units, emphasizing the need for standardized forms and operational clarity. He also highlighted the importance of expanding Secondary Care Providers (SCPs) to optimize the medical workforce and ensure access to specialist care for soldiers, particularly in volatile areas.

The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing medical services and prioritizing the welfare of its personnel.