The National Hospital Abuja (NHA) has achieved remarkable growth in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), now exceeding N400 million monthly, thanks to its adoption of digital medical records. This was revealed by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Mahmoud Raji, during the unveiling of its 25th-anniversary logo in Abuja.
Prof. Raji emphasized the transformative role of the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, which has not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced transparency and accountability by reducing corruption and financial leakages.
“When we began this initiative about 18 months ago, our IGR stood at approximately N180 million to N200 million per month. Today, we generate over N400 million, and sometimes close to N500 million monthly, within such a short period,” Raji stated.
The hospital is now looking to expand its digitalization efforts to further enhance healthcare service delivery and operational effectiveness.
A Legacy of Achievements Over 25 Years
Reflecting on the hospital’s milestones, Prof. Raji noted that while it was initially established to cater to women and children, its scope has expanded to include various specialties.
Key achievements include:
- Pioneering In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The NHA became the first public hospital in Nigeria to offer IVF services.
- Advancing Cancer Care: Today, the hospital is a leader in cancer treatment across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Training and Innovation: The NHA has produced numerous specialists, postgraduate nurses in oncology and nephrology, and developed innovations like the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device for neonates.
Despite these successes, Prof. Raji acknowledged significant funding challenges and called on the Federal Government, private sector, philanthropists, and international partners to support the hospital’s growth through initiatives such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
A Renewed Commitment to Excellence
During the event, former Chairman of the hospital’s governing board, Alhaji Hamza Sakwa, commended the institution for its remarkable turnaround.
“The hospital’s lost glory has been restored,” Sakwa said. “I appeal to the Federal Government and other stakeholders to support its elevation to the status of Nigeria’s premier treatment center.”
Historical Context and Evolution
Established in 1999 under Act 36 as the National Hospital for Women and Children (NHWC), the facility began as a 200-bed hospital focused on reducing morbidity and mortality rates among women and children.
In 2000, its scope was expanded, and it was renamed the National Hospital Abuja to serve the broader population. By 2011, oversight of the hospital shifted from the Presidency to the Federal Ministry of Health.
With its commitment to innovation, excellence, and service expansion, the National Hospital Abuja is poised to strengthen its position as a leading healthcare institution in Nigeria and beyond.
