Professor Saad Ahmed Optimistic FG Will Boost Healthcare Funding in 2026 Budget
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Medical Center, Abuja, Professor Saad Ahmed, has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s health sector will witness significant improvements in 2026, particularly with the anticipated release of government-approved funds and the implementation of innovative revenue-generation strategies aimed at strengthening service delivery.
Speaking to journalists shortly after their budget defence on Saturday, February 7, on the hospital’s operations and outlook, Prof. Saad Ahmed noted that inadequate funding remained one of the major challenges experienced in 2025, despite continued progress in clinical services.
“One of the major challenges we have faced, particularly in 2025, has been inadequate funding. However, our hope and expectation is that 2026 will bring significant improvement,” the official stated.
He explained that the current appropriation is sufficient to support critical priorities, including the strengthening of clinical care, the promotion of research activities across medical centres, and the training of young doctors, consultants, and specialists needed to effectively manage the healthcare sector.
While funding delays have posed limitations, Prof Ahmed disclosed that the hospital has introduced several innovative measures to boost internally generated revenue and ensure sustainability. “Among these initiatives is the establishment of a water production factory supplying bottled and wholesale water, which has already contributed to increased revenue.”
In addition, he said, the hospital has set up a production centre for essential sanitation supplies, including hand sanitizers, bleach, and other hygiene products. These items will not only serve internal hospital needs but will also be sold externally to generate additional income.
“The hospital’s oxygen production plant, with the capacity to produce about 200 large cylinders daily against an internal requirement of 50 cylinders per day, is also expected to contribute significantly through the sale of surplus supply.
Prof. Ahmed said the hospital is actively working to attract investors, international collaborators, and research grants. These partnerships are expected to provide critical support for innovation, research advancement, and reinvestment into improved healthcare services nationwide.
He expressed optimism that with improved funding releases and sustained innovations, the hospital’s centres will experience substantial advancement in the coming year.
