The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, has called on Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to scale up its operations, declaring the agency “more needed today than ever before.” During a strategic familiarization visit to the DHML headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Pheelangwah emphasized that providing comprehensive healthcare to serving personnel, officers, and veterans is a non-negotiable priority in the face of Nigeria’s current security climate.
Highlighting the physical and psychological toll of asymmetric warfare and extended deployments, Pheelangwah described DHML as a “strategic pillar of national defence” rather than a mere support entity. He tasked the management to adopt innovative approaches—including telemedicine and expanded hospital partnerships—to ensure that no soldier or veteran is left behind, particularly those in remote or conflict-prone regions.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary explained that his visit was strategic, aimed at providing administrative oversight while gaining first-hand insight into DHML’s operations, achievements, and challenges. He said the visit also reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of serving personnel, veterans, and their families, while strengthening institutional effectiveness and enhancing policy coherence across all agencies under the Ministry.
The Permanent Secretary commended DHML’s leadership for its notable achievements since incorporation in 2005. He described DHML as a unique and dedicated Health Maintenance Organisation for the military that has consistently set benchmarks in healthcare management. He highlighted its coverage of over 110,000 veterans and their dependents through an extensive military-civilian provider network, and its consistent compliance with the standards of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Mr. Pheelangwah also acknowledged operational challenges faced by DHML, including delays in payment to healthcare providers and logistical constraints. He proposed strengthening telemedicine platforms to ensure personnel in remote areas receive timely consultations and enhancing logistics coordination with Service Medical Corps to improve emergency response times.
Earlier, the MD/CEO of DHML, Surg. R/Adm. A.B. Afolayan (rtd), disclosed that DHML currently operates in all 36 states and the FCT, partnering with over 135 healthcare providers. However, he identified key hurdles such as the irregular release of premiums and a lack of awareness among veterans regarding how to access their benefits.
The event was attended by principal officers and management staff of both the Ministry of Defence and DHML.
