Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has inaugurated a remodeled critical care centre and a newly constructed helipad at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the critical care centre was named after Shaibu in recognition of his contributions to improving healthcare delivery and the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the COAS also inaugurated a newly constructed 30-patient transit accommodation facility at the hospital as part of efforts to enhance medical services and welfare for troops and their families. Speaking during the commissioning, Shaibu said the helipad would significantly reduce the time required to evacuate wounded soldiers from operational areas to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital for critical medical care. He said the shorter evacuation time would improve the chances of survival of soldiers wounded in action during various military operations across the country.
Shaibu highlighted that some operations result in wounded-in-action soldiers who require urgent critical care. He emphasized that the helipad, constructed by the Chief of Defence Staff, shortens the time it takes to bring these soldiers to the reference hospital, thereby enhancing their chances of survival. The critical care centre, equipped with modern medical equipment, is capable of providing specialized treatment to critically ill and injured personnel. This facility enables the hospital to offer the best available care to soldiers requiring critical medical attention.
The COAS remarked that the other projects commissioned were welfare-related, especially accommodation facilities designed to improve the living conditions of personnel. At Ribadu Cantonment, the COAS inaugurated 12 two-bedroom flats and six three-bedroom flats for married officers. He stated that these projects were part of the Army’s efforts to enhance the welfare and well-being of troops who were serving the country and carrying out their constitutional responsibilities. Improved welfare, according to him, remains essential to sustaining the morale and operational effectiveness of personnel.
Shaibu also inspected ongoing projects within the 1 Division Nigerian Army Area of Responsibility. He commended personnel for their sacrifices and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure, medical facilities, and welfare support to enhance their effectiveness in securing the country.