Sen. Banigo, lauds Tinubu’s 50% electricity subsidy for public hospitals

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), Senator Banigo, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 50% electricity subsidy for public hospitals nationwide.

In a statement on Monday, Sen. Banigo expressed excitement at the federal government’s intervention, describing it as a much-needed relief for the country’s health sector.

Recall that Sen Banigo had in her first year in office in 2023, sponsored a bill for an act to amend the electricity act 2023 to explicitly include all health facilities across the country including hospitals, primary healthcare centers and other healthcare institutions as eligible beneficiaries for subsidies from the power consumr assistance fund, PAAF.

According to Sen. Banigo the subsidy will significantly reduce the operational costs of public hospitals, which have been burdened by rising electricity bills adding that this subsidy will equally improve health care delivery in the country.

While applauding the 50% electricity subsidy, Sen Banigo explained that with the reduction in utility costs, hospitals would have more funds available for essential medical supplies, equipment maintenance, and staff welfare.

The Senator maintained that this is a testament of the FG promise to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all citizens, especially the most vulnerable populations.

“This initiative will not only reduce the financial strain on these healthcare institutions but also lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients who often bear the brunt of increased operational costs,” she noted.

Reiterating her commitment to improved health care delivery in the country Sen. Banigo pledged to work closely with the executive arm of government to ensure the successful implementation of this subsidy policy.

Sen Banigo noted that as President Tinubu’s administration made healthcare a priority this subsidy marks another step toward achieving universal health coverage under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She also highlighted the need for sustainable measures that would enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare facilities adding that her office will continue exploring innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the sector.

Sen Banigo however called on stakeholders in the health sector to support the government’s efforts to revitalize healthcare services across the country as affordable and quality healthcare remains a basic need for human existence.