Chairperson, Senate committee on health (secondary and tertiary), Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 50 per cent electricity subsidy for public hospitals nationwide.

Mrs Banigo, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, expressed excitement at the federal government’s intervention, describing it as a much-needed relief for the country’s health sector.

Mrs Banigo had sponsored a bill for an act to amend the electricity act in 2023.

This was to include all health facilities across the country, including hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and other healthcare institutions, as eligible beneficiaries for subsidies from the Power Consumer Assistance Fund.

According to Mrs Banigo, the subsidy will significantly reduce the operational costs of public hospitals, which have been burdened by rising electricity bills,

She said that the subsidy would equally improve health care delivery in the country.

While applauding the 50 per cent electricity subsidy, Mrs Banigo explained that with the reduction in utility costs, hospitals would have more funds available for essential medical supplies, equipment maintenance and staff welfare.

She said that this was a testament of the federal government’s promise to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

“This initiative will not only reduce the financial strain on these healthcare institutions but also lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients who often bear the brunt of increased operational costs,” she said.

Reiterating her commitment to improved health care delivery in the country, the lawmaker pledged to work closely with the executive arm of government to ensure the successful implementation of the subsidy.

Mrs Banigo said that as Tinubu’s administration made healthcare a priority, this subsidy marked another step towards achieving universal health coverage under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She also highlighted the need for sustainable measures that would enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare facilities.

She said that her office would continue to explore innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the sector.

She, however, called on stakeholders in the health sector to support the government’s efforts to revitalise healthcare services across the country, as affordable and quality healthcare remains a basic need for human existence.

(NAN)