COAS Strengthens Combat Medical Support, Commissions Critical Care Centre in Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening combat medical support and providing an efficient and responsive healthcare system for its personnel.
Shaibu made the commitment in Kaduna on Tuesday while commissioning the newly completed Waidi Shaibu Critical Care Centre at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (44 NARH).
The COAS also commissioned a modern helipad at the hospital, designed to facilitate the rapid evacuation of wounded and critically injured personnel from operational theatres to the medical facility.
According to him, timely access to quality medical care remains crucial to sustaining military operations, boosting troop morale, improving recovery outcomes and preserving the overall combat effectiveness of personnel.
He explained that the newly commissioned Critical Care Centre was equipped to provide specialised treatment for trauma, intensive care and other complex medical conditions.
The facility, he noted, would also help reduce the need to refer critically injured or ill military personnel to medical facilities outside the Nigerian Army’s healthcare system.
“The strength of any fighting force is not measured by weapons alone, but also by the quality of care given to those who bear the burden of national security,” Shaibu said.
He assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to upgrade medical infrastructure across its formations and units in line with contemporary operational requirements and healthcare standards.
Speaking on the newly commissioned helipad, the COAS commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, for his foresight in initiating the project during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
Shaibu described the helipad as a critical operational enabler that would significantly reduce the time required to evacuate casualties from operational theatres, thereby improving the chances of survival and recovery for wounded personnel.
He charged medical personnel at 44 NARH to maintain the highest standards of professionalism while ensuring the effective utilisation, maintenance and sustainability of the newly commissioned facilities.
The COAS further emphasised that a robust military healthcare system remained an essential component of operational readiness, particularly as troops continue to undertake demanding security operations across the country.
