The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has inaugurated a remodelled critical care centre and a newly constructed helipad at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.
The critical care centre was named after the COAS in recognition of his contributions to improving healthcare delivery and the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel.
Shaibu 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, he 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.
According to him, the shorter evacuation time would improve the chances of survival of soldiers wounded in action during military operations across the country.
“The helipad constructed by the Chief of Defence Staff shortens the time it takes to bring the soldiers to this reference hospital, and once you do that, you enhance their chance of survival,” he stressed.
Shaibu disclosed that the critical care centre was equipped with modern medical equipment capable of providing specialised treatment to critically ill and injured personnel.
He explained that the other projects commissioned were largely welfare-related, particularly 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 said the projects were part of the Army’s efforts to enhance the welfare and well-being of troops serving the country and carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Shaibu 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.
