IGP Disu Takes Charge of Police Health Board, Pushes Reforms to Boost Officers’ Welfare
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assumed leadership of the Board of Police Health Maintenance Limited (PHML), pledging sweeping reforms to strengthen medical welfare and healthcare delivery for police personnel across Nigeria.
Disu’s inauguration as Chairman of the Board took place at the Force Headquarters in Abuja during a high-level meeting with PHML executives, marking what officials described as a new phase of direct oversight in police healthcare management.
According to a statement from the Nigeria Police Force signed by Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, the engagement focused on enhancing collaboration and addressing critical gaps in officers’ medical welfare.
Leading the PHML delegation, Director Aminu Yesufu outlined ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, including the renovation of police hospitals in Akure, Sokoto, Yola, Lagos, and Bambam, as well as new partnerships with federal tertiary hospitals to ensure immediate, cost-free treatment for gunshot and trauma cases.
The organisation also disclosed a specialised partnership with Zenith Healthcare Limited to provide advanced renal care for officers suffering chronic conditions.
In his remarks, the IGP underscored the importance of healthcare to national security, calling for a shift from administrative targets to real impact on personnel welfare.
“The health of our officers is a critical pillar of national security. Every phase of medical planning must centre on those on the front lines,” Disu said.
He also highlighted systemic challenges, particularly gaps in healthcare coverage for retired officers and the need to rehabilitate medical facilities within police barracks nationwide.
“We must address the retirement gap and improve infrastructure to ensure our officers receive the care they deserve,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment, the police chief stressed that a healthy workforce is essential for effective policing.
“The protection of lives and property depends on the physical and mental well-being of every officer,” he stated.
Other members of the delegation included Adenike Abuwa, Otive Iguzor, Yusuf Kalli Gazali, and Nkechi Eze.
The development is expected to drive reforms in police healthcare delivery, with stakeholders expressing optimism about improved access to quality medical services for officers and their families.
