Retired Rear Admiral Azeez Afolayan, Managing Director of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), has called for enhanced funding and stronger support for military healthcare services in Nigeria.
Afolayan made the appeal on Thursday during a symposium marking the 20th anniversary of DHML in Abuja. The event, themed “Transforming Military Health Systems for Better Health Coverage: Progress, Challenges and Strategic Partnerships,” highlighted the organisation’s achievements and ongoing challenges in delivering healthcare to members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their families.
He noted that over two decades, DHML has expanded healthcare access, increased its enrollee base, and implemented an Integrated Health Management System (IHMS) to improve coordination across state offices and departments. The agency has also maintained regular capitation and secondary healthcare payments to service providers, improving care for military personnel.
However, Afolayan identified key challenges including inadequate funding, rising healthcare costs, shortage of personnel, and delayed disbursements from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). He emphasized that increased investment and better-equipped facilities would enhance service delivery and meet the growing healthcare needs of military personnel and their dependants.
Dr. Brenda Isikekpei, General Manager of Medical Services at DHML, highlighted that the agency was established in June 2006 as a health maintenance organisation to serve military personnel, retirees, and eligible dependants. She noted that the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on DHML’s role in complementing government funding and expanding access to quality healthcare within the armed forces community.
Speaking at the symposium, Dr. Terfa Kene, National President of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, advocated the adoption of telemedicine to improve healthcare delivery for troops deployed in remote areas. Telemedicine, he explained, would allow soldiers to access specialist consultations and medical advice from distant healthcare professionals.
Dr. Kene also emphasized preventive healthcare, including adequate sunlight exposure to combat vitamin D deficiency, and encouraged military personnel to plan for post-service life by supporting community healthcare facilities, enhancing access to primary care for local populations.
