Buhari unveils state-of-the-art medical centre at Presidential Villa

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the new state-of-the-art Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Centre in Abuja, will boost health infrastructure in the country by far, while calling for the judicious use of the facility to maximize its benefits.
The Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Centre, which was conceptualized by the previous administration eleven years ago, was officially unveiled by the President, on Friday.
Accompanied by the First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, members of the first family, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Chief of Staff Prof Ibrahim Gambari, and the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, the President toured the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (CathLab), operating rooms for regular and specialized procedures, Intensive Care Unit, Specialized Infectious Disease Isolation Suites, and Specialized consultation rooms.
He expressed satisfaction with the fully-equipped and operational medical facilities at the Centre, noting that in the past eight years, holistic health care has been given a priority.
During his tour of the facility, President Buhari interacted with the local medical staff who received specialized training on handling the advanced equipment available at the facility.
The State House Permanent Secretary explained that the VIP facility is intended to be a one-stop shop for the provision of medical services to the President, Vice President and their families as well as other VIPs.
He recounted that the concept of establishing a medical facility within the seat of government was conceived in 2012, which resulted in the creation of a project brief in 2013, outlining the objectives, scope, and specifications for the facility’s construction.
According to him, it wasn’t until 2020 that President Buhari gave his approval for a comprehensive geotechnical survey and assessment of seven potential sites,
‘‘Mr. President selected this site for the project after he had gone round to personally inspect the proposed sites. This led to the development of a concept design, taking into consideration the specific requirements of its intended end-user.
‘‘The contract for the construction of the facility which occupies a floor area of 2,485 square metres across one suspended floor and a basement, was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria, Plc as a turnkey project after a rigorous evaluation process and the site handed over to them in August, 2021.
‘‘However, it was on 1st November, 2021 that actual construction started after a ground – breaking event led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the project was completed on schedule and on budget in December, 2022.
‘‘All this was achieved due to the singular resolve and resilience of His Excellency Mr. President to address the long – identified need for such a facility and to bequeath a worthy legacy in this regard.
‘‘Today, to the Glory of God and country, this dream has been achieved and standing in all its splendor, before our very eyes is this technology- supported by the Presidential Wing of the State House Medical Centre,’’ he said.
The contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was praised for their commitment, competence, consistency, and exemplary workmanship, which played a significant role in the successful and timely completion of the project without exceeding the allocated budget.