September 30, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of electricity subsidies for public hospitals across Nigeria, a move aimed at reducing operational costs and alleviating the financial burden on patients.
This development follows the approval of a 50% electricity subsidy for public hospitals and tertiary education institutions in August.
The Senior Adviser of Media and External Relations to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Tashikalmah Hallah, made the announcement to newsmen on Sunday.
He noted that the move to also subsidize for private hospitals nationwide is underway.
Hallah said, “The subsidy for all federal teaching hospitals and medical centres has been started. The issue now is how to subsidise (electricity) for the private sector. The government is thinking of bringing the private sector into the picture.
“So the subsidy for public hospitals has started, but I can’t confirm what percentage because I don’t have those details, but I’m aware that subsidies for public hospitals have started. There is a plan that private hospitals will also be incorporated, but it has not been finalised,” he said.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also announced that removing the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit saved Nigeria N5.4tn.
He mentioned this at a church service, Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
“Mr President removed the subsidy, which, if not curbed, would have cost us N5.4tn by the end of 2024. We have been busy subsidising our neighbours; these are funds that can be invested in improving our infrastructure and other social services.
“Our budget this year for infrastructure was N6.7tn, meanwhile, the subsidy would have consumed N5.4tn, if not curbed or checked.” He said.
The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Bala Audu, commended the subsidy but urged consideration for private hospitals
