The Federal Government and top military authorities have called for greater adoption of innovation, digital health systems and strategic partnerships to enhance healthcare delivery for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their families.
The call was made on Thursday in Abuja during the 20th anniversary celebration of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), where stakeholders reviewed progress in military healthcare delivery.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, represented by the Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Defence, Dr Gabriel Ibe, described healthcare support as a vital element of military preparedness and national security.
He noted that the well-being of service personnel and their dependants plays a significant role in sustaining morale, efficiency and overall operational effectiveness.
Matawalle commended DHML for its two decades of service, describing the organisation as resilient and committed to improving access to quality healthcare for military personnel and their families.
He urged the organisation to prioritise value-driven healthcare delivery, innovation and stronger partnerships to further enhance its impact.
The minister also highlighted the importance of emerging technologies such as telemedicine, digital health platforms and data-based planning in expanding healthcare access, particularly for personnel serving in remote and operational environments.
He further called for closer collaboration between military medical services, private healthcare providers and the National Health Insurance Authority to improve health outcomes across the armed forces.
In a goodwill message, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, described DHML as a key partner in strengthening troop welfare.
He said the effectiveness of military operations is closely tied to the physical and psychological well-being of personnel.
According to him, DHML has continued to provide healthcare services for serving officers, soldiers, veterans and their dependants through a network of accredited medical facilities.
Shaibu encouraged the organisation to embrace modern healthcare technologies and deepen partnerships that would ensure sustainable and accessible medical services for all beneficiaries.
Also speaking, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, represented by the Director of Health Services, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Nkechi Uzodima, praised DHML for improving healthcare financing and access within the military system.
He noted that evolving security challenges require a resilient healthcare structure capable of supporting operational readiness and mission success.
He added that the future of military healthcare depends on digital integration, preventive health systems, data-driven decision-making and stronger institutional collaboration.
The air chief congratulated DHML on its 20-year milestone and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s continued support for its programmes.
The anniversary was held under the theme: “Transforming Military Health Systems for Better Health Coverage through Defence Health Maintenance Limited: Progress, Challenges and Strategic Partnerships.”
The event brought together senior military officers, healthcare practitioners and key stakeholders in the health sector to assess progress and chart future directions for military healthcare delivery.