In realization of the fact that the most critical resource factor in any endeavour is the human being, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has placed emphasis on ensuring the physical and mental well being of its personnel.
This has been actualized through the execution of numerous welfare related projects, especially for enhanced healthcare services through the establishment of new hospitals and upgrade of facilities in existing ones.
In furtherance of this commitment, the CAS, today, 6 February 2019, commissioned a newly constructed Aviation Medicine Department and Electronic Medical Records System (EMR) at the 063 NAF Hospital (063 NAFH), NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja.
Speaking during the event, the CAS, who was represented by the Chief of Medical Services (CMS), Headquarters (HQ) NAF, Air Commodore Mohammed Shaibu, stated that the involvement of NAF personnel in Internal Security Operations in various Theatres across the country requires that the personnel be assured of robust medical facilities to provide optimum healthcare in support of the operations.
In addition, these personnel are also assured that their families have access to the best healthcare services. Hence, they are able to concentrate on their duties and give their best, he said.
He further stated that, the EMR as well as the newly constructed and fully equipped Aviation Medicine Department would improve both the quality and scope of medical services provided in the hospital whilst also enabling the conduct of Annual Medical Review for NAF aircrew in Abuja, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiency.
He urged the beneficiaries of the new facilities to put them to good use and ensure they are properly maintained.
In his earlier remarks, the CMS thanked the CAS for always placing premium on the welfare of personnel.
He noted that the traditional paper-based hospital records system has many limitations, which pose huge challenges to patients’ care.
He said the application of technology to the healthcare sector has been found to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of medical service delivery.
He assured that, with the new EMR system, the patients’ medical records would be kept in a digital format thereby eliminating the paper-based method and thus improving accuracy and efficiency.
He announced that, 063 NAFH has joined the league of ICT based hospitals where patients would be seen without the use of paper.
According to him, the EMR has been deployed to the Records Department, General Out Patient Department as well as Laboratory and Pharmacy Departments, where investigation request forms or drug prescription sheets would no longer be used.
Guests at the event had earlier been given an overview of the EMR System before being conducted on a tour of facilities at the Aviation Medicine Department by the Commander 063 NAFH, Wing Commander Olatunji Oguntuase.
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Meanwhile, in keeping with its tradition of immortalizing fallen heroes who have paid the supreme price in service to the nation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday, 6 February 2019, named a newly constructed accommodation after late Lance Corporal Nura Adamu.
The new block of 30 furnished single-room airmen’s transit accommodation in NAF Base Kaduna has been named after the deceased Lance Corporal, who died in the NAF Mi-35M Helicopter that crashed in combat while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak, Borno State on 2 January 2019.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, represented by Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Kingsley Lar, Chief of Administration, Headquarters (HQ) NAF, said the new accommodation was named after late Lance Corporal Adamu to keep alive the memory of his service to the nation while encouraging others to continue contributing their quota in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality in the country.
He observed that the objective behind the numerous infrastructural projects executed in NAF Bases across the country was to ensure conducive home and work environments for personnel in line with the charge given by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure enhanced welfare conditions for all personnel.
He stated that the provision of decent housing for personnel would continue to be accorded high priority to ensure that personnel are better prepared to respond to various exigencies of duty.
The CAS noted that NAF Base Kaduna, being the Premier Base of the NAF and home of Air Training Command (ATC), which conducts aircrew training, would receive the needed attention in terms of provision of facilities.
He also disclosed plans to construct new quarters in the Base whilst addressing other areas of infrastructural deficit.
The CAS seized the opportunity to remind all personnel to remain apolitical while focusing on the performance of their assigned duties.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding ATC, AVM Muhammed Suleiman, who was represented by the Command Evaluation Officer, Air Commodore Sunday Aneke, said the current administration’s infrastructural renewal of NAF Bases has spurred personnel for more effective performance of their duties.
He thanked the CAS for the construction of the new accommodation block and other ongoing projects across units in the Command and pledged the Command’s commitment to enhance discipline amongst personnel, ensure a secured environment while providing top-class service delivery.
In attendance at the ceremony were the Commander 453 Base Services Group, Air Commodore Idi Sani, Commanders of co-located Units in Kaduna as well as the Chairperson and members of Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) ATC Chapter, among others.
Ibikunle Daramola
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force
