To alleviate financial burdens on public hospitals, the Federal Government has approved a 50% electricity subsidy for these institutions across Nigeria.
This decision, announced by Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during a visit to the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna, seeks to reduce operational costs and ease the financial strain on patients.
Alausa stressed that the subsidy is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
With energy costs accounting for over 40% of hospital operating expenses, according to the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), the rising electricity tariffs and soaring diesel prices have impacted hospitals’ financial stability.
The increase in energy costs has led to higher medical bills for patients, a situation the subsidy aims to mitigate.
This development comes shortly after the Federal Government’s introduction of the zero draft of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP).
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed the draft during a presentation in Abuja.
The policy is designed to address the pressing issues in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry and is expected to lay the groundwork for a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive power sector.
Adelabu stated that the policy results from extensive consultations with industry experts, stakeholders, and development partners.
It is intended to tackle current challenges while anticipating future needs, ensuring that Nigeria’s power sector remains robust and efficient.
He stated, “The policy is a critical policy in the nation’s journey toward achieving a robust, sustainable, and inclusive power sector that meets the aspirations of all Nigerians.
“The journey leading up to today has been a collaborative and rigorous process, driven by our collective commitment to addressing the pressing challenges within the Nigerian electricity supply industry.”
