The Federal Government has announced plans to convene a national stakeholders’ dialogue aimed at addressing the persistent energy challenges faced by Federal Tertiary Health Institutions. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made this known on Friday in Abuja during a media conference, where he also inaugurated a committee to oversee preparations for the dialogue.
Salako emphasized the urgent need to tackle high energy costs and unreliable power supply in public hospitals. He noted that despite initiatives such as a 50% electricity subsidy and solar mini-grid installations in selected hospitals, these measures have not sufficiently resolved the crisis.
“The current situation requires a collaborative, whole-of-government approach as we work across sectors to resolve many challenging issues that are beyond the purview of the health sector,” Salako stated.
The minister highlighted past efforts by some health institutions to adopt alternative energy solutions. However, he pointed out that these attempts lacked a coordinated policy framework, leading to challenges such as fire outbreaks, battery malfunctions, theft, and maintenance issues.
Salako stressed that the time had come to rethink energy strategies for hospitals, urging medical directors to explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models and attract private sector investment in renewable energy solutions.
“We can no longer afford business as usual in the face of mounting energy bills. This is the time to be creative and innovative as we move to develop and adopt smart energy solutions,” he said.
The upcoming dialogue will assess the current power policy landscape and explore sustainable solutions, drawing from experiences in other low-middle-income countries. It will also identify practical strategies for integrating renewable energy, strengthening public-private partnerships, and ensuring efficient power supply to healthcare institutions.
Key stakeholders from the health and power sectors will participate in the event, with discussions culminating in a communiqué outlining policy recommendations and a Collaborative Plan of Action to ensure implementation.
The minister tasked the newly inaugurated dialogue implementation committee with convening the discussions, mobilizing resources, and attracting investments to ensure sustainable electrification of public healthcare facilities nationwide.
