In a move to enhance healthcare for military personnel, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, has inaugurated an ultra-modern Specialist Laboratory and Research Centre at the 82 Division Hospital in Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu. This state-of-the-art facility is set to boost medical services for troops, ensuring improved health and optimal performance in their duties.
During the inauguration, Maj.-Gen. Dada emphasized the vital role modern medical infrastructure plays in boosting the health and vitality of military personnel. “This facility will significantly enhance our ability to provide quality, research-based healthcare, not only for the barracks community but for the wider Nigerian public,” Dada said. He further praised the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to improving healthcare delivery for the Armed Forces.
The Specialist Laboratory and Research Centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge medical research and diagnostics, addressing key health challenges faced by military personnel. According to Maj.-Gen. Dada, the facility’s advanced equipment will elevate the quality of healthcare provided, ensuring troops remain in peak condition to defend the nation.
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“On behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the entire Division, we are grateful to the Minister of Defence for this game-changing facility,” Dada added. He assured that the 82 Division would take extra measures to protect and maintain the facility, ensuring all equipment is properly accounted for and used effectively.
Brig.-Gen. Nathan Okeji (rtd), Director-General of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme, highlighted the significance of the centre, describing it as a beacon of hope for the military healthcare system. “This facility symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our soldiers,” Okeji said. “It will foster innovation and progress, positioning us at the forefront of medical research and diagnostics.”
The Commander of the Nigerian Army’s Corps of Medicals, Brig.-Gen. Samson Okoigi, lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Defence in making this facility a reality. He noted that the center would provide top-tier, precise diagnostics, greatly improving patient outcomes for military personnel and their families. “This is a significant step toward fulfilling the Army’s commitment to the health of its personnel,” Okoigi concluded.
The newly inaugurated center is expected to not only elevate the medical capabilities of the 82 Division Hospital but also set a new standard for military healthcare across Nigeria.
