To explore innovative strategies and strengthen the critical nexus of quality healthcare and operational effectiveness, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has launched a 2 Day Nigerian Air Force Medical Conference 2025 to ensure that NAF’s medical services remain agile, resilient, and responsive to the evolving airpower demands of national security.
While declaring the NAF Medical Conference 2025 open in Abuja today, Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, with the theme, “Enhancing Effective Medical Services in Support of Nigerian Air Force Operations by Evolving Strategies for Sustainable Healthcare Management,” the Air Chief stressed that the gathering marks a significant milestone, as they have not convened such a conference in the past four years.
According to the Chief of the Air Staff, over this period, the world has undergone profound changes, bringing new challenges and heightened demands on military healthcare.
"Yet, one principle remains constant: a healthy force is a capable force. Ensuring the well-being of our personnel is not just a duty but a fundamental pillar of mission success.
"Our airmen and women operate in high-risk environments that demand peak physical and mental readiness. Medical preparedness is not just a support function—it is a force multiplier," he said
The Air Chief, therefore, directed the organizers of the conference to harness intellectual insights and practical solutions that will strengthen NAF healthcare system.
"Beyond treating ailments, we must anticipate and prevent them. We must align our medical services with the contemporary realities of modern warfare, where rapid response, trauma care, and mental resilience are just as critical as air superiority.
"As we expand our capabilities with the procurement of new platforms, it is imperative that we have a medical framework capable of supporting our evolving operational demands.
Air Marshal Abubakar said the Nigerian Air Force takes pride in its nearly 2,000 medical professionals and its extensive network of 54 medical establishments across the country, comprising 13 hospitals, 41 well-equipped medical centres and clinics, and 2 renowned schools of medical sciences.
He encouraged participants at the conference to explore innovative and practical strategies to address these challenges. "We must develop measures to retain our skilled medical personnel, create sustainable healthcare financing mechanisms, and enhance mental health and drug abuse prevention programs within the NAF." he added
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Medical Services (CMS) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Vice Marshal Anthony Chidi Ekpe, said the conference comes at a critical time when the provision of medical services faces significant challenges worldwide and also in the NAF.
Air Vice Marshal Ekpe noted that these challenges have underscored the need for innovative and sustainable strategies to ensure that the medical services Branch continues to support the operations of the NAF effectively.
He further revealed that the Conference aims to articulate ways of providing efficient medical services in support of NAF operations in line with the command philosophy of the CAS, which is “to transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.”
He said the theme of this year’s conference, “Enhancing Effective Medical Services in Support of Nigerian Air Force Operations by Evolving Strategies for Sustainable Healthcare Management,” reflects Medical personnel commitment to addressing the pressing issues in healthcare delivery within the NAF.
"Over the next 2 days, we will deliberate on critical topics such as the management of medical manpower, healthcare financing options, and the need for a rehabilitation centre in the Nigerian Air Force.
"These topics are particularly relevant given the global challenge of healthcare manpower migration, which has impacted our ability to retain skilled medical professionals and the current economic realities that have strained healthcare financing.
"Additionally, we will discuss the menace of drug abuse within the NAF and explore the establishment of a rehabilitation centre as a proactive measure to curb this issue and support affected personnel," he said
He urged participants to engage meaningfully and contribute their expertise towards strengthening the NAF healthcare system. The outcomes of this conference and the implementation of its recommendations.
Giving a rundown of the major achievements of the Department of Medical Service, Nigerian Air Force, SpyeTV News reports that the Chief of the Air Staff said under his leadership, the NAF have taken deliberate steps to strengthen the Medical Services Branch.
"We have prioritized the training and development of medical personnel, equipping them with the necessary skills to meet modern healthcare challenges. Several NAF medical professionals have undergone specialized training in aviation medicine in the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan, and India, ensuring they are well-equipped to support and sustain the health of our air and ground crew. Furthermore, our doctors are undergoing residency training in specialized fields at various tertiary institutions, bolstering our medical expertise.
"Additionally, we have approved the Pharmacy Consultancy Cadre and appointed qualified pharmacists as consultants, ensuring improved pharmaceutical services. To address manpower shortages at mid and lower levels, we have facilitated the accreditation of technician-grade courses at the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine.
"To further enhance training capacity, we have constructed additional student hostels and established computer-based training facilities at the school. These efforts align with my command philosophy’s focus on human capacity development.
"One of our significant achievements is the revitalization of the 061 Aeromedical Centre, which now boasts state-of-the-art facilities. We are in the process of re-accreditation with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for pilot certification, to transform the centre into a hub for aerospace medicine that meets international standards.
"Additionally, we are nearing completion of a trauma centre at the 465 NAF Hospital in Kano, which will provide specialized care for personnel engaged in ongoing operations in the Northwest and Northeast. Similarly, we have expanded and upgraded medical facilities across various NAF bases, including the recently established 065 NAF Hospital in Abuja, ensuring better healthcare access for our personnel and their families.
"While these achievements are commendable, we must acknowledge the challenges that persist. Rising healthcare costs, medical personnel shortages due to brain drain, and increasing cases of substance abuse among personnel pose significant threats to our ability to maintain a robust healthcare system.
"These challenges require sustainable solutions. This is why the theme of this year’s conference—‘Enhancing Effective Medical Services in Support of Nigerian Air Force Operations by Evolving Strategies for Sustainable Healthcare Management’—is both timely and relevant," he noted
These achievements are a testament to the CAS's commitment to enhancing medical services in the NAF.