FG targets better health coverage for civil servants with new policy

Femi Fabunmi

The Nigerian Government has said it will review its healthcare policy for civil servants to make it better and more current.

This was announced during a free medical screening for civil servants in Abuja as part of the 2025 Civil Service Week.

Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said the health of workers must be prioritised because of the demands of their jobs. She was represented by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office.

She explained that good health reduces hospital expenses and helps workers perform better.

“Health is wealth. When you are healthy, you spend less on treatment and work more effectively,” Oyekunle said. She was happy that the screening was organised well, with quick test results and immediate treatment for those who needed it.

Mrs Walson-Jack also said many workers find it hard to get medicines and good treatment under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme. She called for urgent changes to the policy.

“The current healthcare policy is outdated. Drug prices have gone up and we need a new plan that reflects today’s realities,” she stated.

Civil servants who attended the screening shared their experiences. Azeez Champion said the process was well arranged despite the large crowd. He urged his colleagues to always check their health.

“We have lost many colleagues to illnesses that could have been discovered early. Health is wealth,” he added.

Another worker, Eneh Benedict, found out through the tests that she had high blood pressure, which she did not know before.

“I’m happy I came. I’ve started treatment already and I feel better,” she said, praising the organisers and asking them to continue the programme.

Dr Longbap Dinfa, Assistant Director at the Wellness Centre in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, said the screening covered tests for hepatitis B and C, malaria, typhoid, diabetes, and blood pressure.

He revealed that they discovered many cases of undiagnosed illnesses such as hepatitis, peptic ulcer, and malaria-typhoid infections. He also said a woman who collapsed on Sunday was treated quickly and is now stable.

Dr Dinfa added that serious cases were referred to the National Hospital for proper treatment and advised civil servants to always go for regular health checks to stay healthy.