The Group Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Company Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has identified brain drain, medical tourism, lack of consumables and equipment, and dilapidated infrastructure as major challenges facing Nigeria's health sector.
Ojulari made this known during the commissioning and handover of three rehabilitated wards with 100-bed capacity to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, by the NNPC Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of NNPCL.
Represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo Segun, Ojulari noted that the project was delivered within 12 months and assured it would fully serve its purpose. He stated that Nigeria's health sector faces palpable challenges, including lack of personnel due to brain drain, medical tourism, lack of medical consumables, dilapidated infrastructure, and lack of equipment.
For the 80-year-old facility, NNPCL's intervention targeted revitalizing worn-out structures of critical sections for patient care. Ojulari said, 'Today, we are delivering three wards fully renovated to best standards, with capacity to hold 102 patients in an environment whose ambience will facilitate better patient care and treatment.'
He emphasized that NNPCL, as an energy company of national significance, understands that true value is measured not only in barrels of oil produced but in lives impacted. This is why the company institutionalized its CSR through the NNPC Foundation.
The Executive Vice President of Business Services, Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, stated that the company recognizes its responsibility goes beyond energy. She said NNPCL is committed to contributing meaningfully to national development through strategic CSR initiatives and investments, including equipping primary healthcare centers, providing borehole water, and educational sponsorships.
As a limited liability company, NNPCL aims to do more and ensure projects are sustainable and impactful. Through the NNPC Foundation, the company has progressed in social investments focusing on global Sustainable Development Goals and Environmental, Social and Governance frameworks, promoting inclusive development.
Recent projects encompass health, education, environment, agriculture, youth empowerment, humanitarian support, and managing stakeholder expectations in communities where the company operates.
The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, described the rehabilitated facility as a game-changer, noting that it meets world-class standards with everything required in an orthopaedic ward. She added that the hospital previously had significant bed constraints.
