A committee of the National Assembly has recommended that the government introduce “take-off grants” to help newly established hospitals procure essential equipment and start operations effectively.
The proposal came from the Senate Committee on Health during a session in Abuja, where lawmakers voiced concern that many newly constructed health facilities struggle to function due to a lack of basic medical equipment and logistics.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi, said the suggested grants — to be provided at the point of commissioning — would give fresh hospitals a better chance of delivering quality healthcare services to their communities.
Without adequate diagnostic tools, beds, theatre equipment and essential supplies, he noted, many hospitals are left incomplete in practical terms, forcing patients to travel long distances to receive care.
“The idea is not just to build structures but to make sure they work,” Ningi told reporters. He added that the grants would serve as a bridge between construction and full operational capacity, enabling facilities to employ staff and attend to patients without avoidable delays.
The committee also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders to work closely with the legislature to finalise the policy framework for the grants and ensure that funds are appropriately disbursed and monitored.
In response, some members pointed to the potential for improved healthcare access across Nigeria if the policy is adopted, arguing that investment in functional hospitals could reduce pressure on overburdened tertiary centres.
The committee’s recommendations are expected to be forwarded to the full Senate for further deliberation and possible inclusion in upcoming health sector budget discussions.
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