Approved 2024 budget will ensure effective operation of DHML – Matawalle

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has disclosed that the budget 2024 of the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) will ensure effective operation in support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Minister stated this during the 34th meeting of the Board of Directors of the organization at Ship House.

Addressing the Board members, Dr. Matawalle said that the estimated budget has demonstrated once again President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’ s Renewed Hope Agenda in making welfare matters of the Nigerian Military a top priority. He therefore charged them to be prudent and effective in the management of the resources in fulfillment of DHML’s mandate.

He added that the Board’s endorsement for the payment of a severance allowance equivalent to 40% of the staff basic salary was another demonstration that the welfare of staff of the organization is of top priority as well.

The Minister said that the Defence Health Maintenance Limited is living up to expectation in providing healthcare services to the Veterans. He further promised that government would continue to prioritize provision of quality healthcare services to Veterans and citizens at large.

In attendance were members of the Board which included, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa OFR, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Toreeb Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar.

Others are , the Managing Director of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), Surgeon Rear Admiral AB Afolayan (Rtd), Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Brigadier General MN Inuwa; and other senior officials from DHML.

The Minister has directed a technical committee to be set up to look into some of the challenges of the organization and on how best to address these challenges for effective operation.