Ministry of Defence Charges Health Maintenance Limited to Intensify Efforts Amid Security Challenges

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, has charged Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to intensify its efforts amid enormous security challenges, stating that DHML “is more needed today than ever before, and no soldier, no officer, and no veteran must be left behind when it comes to healthcare.” The charge was delivered during his familiarisation visit to the headquarters of DHML on Wednesday, 15th April, 2026, in Abuja.

In a statement by the Chief Information Officer, Queenet Iheoma-Hart, for the Director of Information and PR, the Permanent Secretary noted that the evolving security landscape, marked by asymmetric threats, counter-insurgency operations, and extended deployments, places unprecedented demands on the physical and mental health of military personnel. He added that the growing population of veterans and retirees requires a more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system that preserves dignity and honours service. “In this context, DHML is not just a support institution, it is a strategic pillar of national defence. You must therefore continue to rise to this responsibility with renewed commitment, innovation, and discipline,” Mr. Richard Pheelangwah stated.

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. Pheelangwah commended DHML’s leadership for its notable achievements since incorporation in 2005, describing 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), including maintaining re-accreditation requirements. He said these milestones speak volumes about DHML’s commitment to quality assurance and regulatory compliance and urged the Management to sustain these achievements in line with the Ministry of Defence’s Health Policy.

Pheelangwah also acknowledged operational challenges faced by DHML, including delays in payment to healthcare providers, limited access to specialised tertiary care, and logistical constraints. He noted that while these challenges are significant, they are “not insurmountable, but require deliberate, coordinated, and innovative responses.” He proposed expanding partnerships with tertiary hospitals to reduce referral bottlenecks for complex cases, strengthening telemedicine platforms to ensure personnel in remote or conflict-prone areas receive timely expert consultations, and enhancing logistics coordination with Service Medical Corps to improve emergency response times. He assured DHML of the Ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary policy and administrative backing, as well as the enabling environment and institutional support required for it to excel.

The Permanent Secretary further recognised the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose unwavering commitment to national security and personnel welfare continues to shape the strategic direction of the Armed Forces. He also commended the steadfast guidance and commitment of the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence in strengthening the capacity and welfare framework of the Armed Forces.

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, with free access to healthcare for beneficiaries. He stated that DHML is partnering with over 135 healthcare providers across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. He identified key challenges as irregular release of premiums, non-harmonisation of personnel data, and inadequate sensitisation on DHML’s services, noting that many veterans are still unaware of how to access the HMO. The event was attended by principal officers and management staff of both the Ministry of Defence and DHML.