Tinubu Approves Establishment of 8,800 PHCs and Upgrade of Tertiary Health Facilities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his approval for the creation of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria as part of a broader initiative to modernize the country’s healthcare system. The plan also includes upgrading tertiary hospitals to effectively manage trauma, oncology, and infectious diseases.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made this announcement during the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre, situated within the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, Ogun State.

At the event, Shettima called on the private sector to play a more active role in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s health sector. He stressed that collaborative efforts between government and private stakeholders are vital, as the government cannot singlehandedly meet all the sector’s challenges.

He emphasized the Federal Government’s dedication to bridging healthcare gaps through meaningful investments and public-private partnerships. He also noted that the newly commissioned trauma centre is a significant enhancement to Nigeria’s emergency response system, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to saving lives.

According to the Vice President, President Tinubu has endorsed a comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which includes the rollout of new PHCs nationwide and significant improvements to existing tertiary institutions to better respond to trauma cases, cancer treatments, and infectious diseases.

“In an era marked by rapid urbanisation, increased vehicular traffic, and industrial growth, robust trauma care services are indispensable,” Shettima stated. He described the trauma centre as a critical resource that embodies the country’s readiness to respond to emergencies.

Shettima lauded the philanthropic effort behind the facility, urging more corporate bodies and individuals to contribute meaningfully to national development through similar initiatives.

“This trauma centre is not just a birthday gift. It is a gift to society—a refuge where the injured receive care and distressed families find hope,” he said.

The centre, built by the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation, aligns with the Federal Government’s plan to transform Nigeria’s health system and was officially inaugurated during the celebration of Chief Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa’s 80th birthday.

The Vice President also revealed that the administration is working towards a more inclusive National Health Insurance Scheme and is implementing a digital health data management system to ensure data-informed healthcare delivery.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State praised Chief Adegunwa for his legacy of philanthropy, describing him as a visionary entrepreneur and an embodiment of generosity. The governor recalled the dismal state of the university’s teaching hospital at the start of his administration in 2019, noting that the institution has since undergone significant improvement, including the reconstitution of a hospital governing board.

He expressed gratitude to Vice President Shettima for attending the event and emphasized the importance of honouring impactful citizens while they are still alive to inspire others.

Chief Adegunwa, the donor and celebrant, shared his motivation for giving back, citing a verse from the Quran that encourages individuals to share their blessings before it’s too late. He recalled his long-standing support for the university, dating back to 1979, and noted that this latest project was a continuation of his commitment to uplifting the community.

“I made a pledge on my 56th birthday to positively impact lives, and I’ve held onto that promise ever since,” he said. He fondly remembered how he donated a modern audio centre to the institution in 1995 and expressed pride in seeing former beneficiaries, like the current Chief Medical Director Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, excel in their fields.

Chairman of the hospital’s board, Dr. Kunle Hassan, highlighted the trauma centre’s purpose, which is to provide emergency treatment and handle trauma-related incidents. He assured that the facility would be properly maintained and utilized to benefit future generations.

Dr. Hassan commended Chief Adegunwa and his foundation for surpassing expectations by investing over N2 billion into the project, despite an initial budget of N800 million.

Also in attendance was Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, who praised Adegunwa’s humanitarian spirit. He urged the federal government to bring more institutions to Remoland, pointing out the absence of any federal universities or polytechnics in the area.

The monarch appealed to the Vice President to convey the community’s desires to President Tinubu, noting that while some matters are discussed privately, others are best aired publicly for transparency.