By Chimezie Godfrey
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has urged Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to intensify efforts in delivering quality healthcare services to military personnel and veterans.
Pheelangwah made the call during a familiarisation visit to the headquarters of DHML on Wednesday in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Thursday by Queenet Iheoma-Hart, for the Director, Information and Public Relations.
He said the organisation had become more critical given the increasing physical and mental health demands of both serving and retired personnel.
“DHML is more needed today than ever before, and no soldier, no officer, and no veteran must be left behind when it comes to healthcare,” he said.
The permanent secretary noted that evolving security challenges, including counter-insurgency operations and prolonged deployments, have placed significant strain on the wellbeing of military personnel.
He added that the growing population of veterans also required a more responsive and sustainable healthcare system.
Pheelangwah described DHML as a strategic pillar in national defence, stressing the need for renewed commitment, innovation, and discipline.
He commended the organisation for covering over 110,000 veterans and dependents, as well as maintaining regulatory compliance with the National Health Insurance Authority.
The permanent secretary, however, acknowledged challenges such as delays in payments to healthcare providers and limited access to specialised care.
He assured that the ministry would provide the necessary support to enhance DHML’s performance.
Earlier, the Managing Director of DHML, Surg. Rear Admiral A.B. Afolayan (retd.), said the organisation operates across the 36 states and the FCT with over 135 healthcare providers.