By CHARLES IWUOHA

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, says modern medical facilities and services will help improve troops' health and vitality leading to proficient and optimal performance.

Dada said this on Wednesday in his acceptance speech as he inaugurated and took-over the ultra-modern 82 Division Hospital Specialist Laboratory and Research Centre sited within the 82 Division Hospital and Medical Services Complex in Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.

He said that the state-of-the-art facility would go a long way in boosting health delivery even as troops and officers of the Division make sacrifices to keep the nation and Division's Area of Responsibility secured and peaceful.

According to him, the facility will help the Division Hospital and Medical Services improve in all its areas of laboratory and research work; thus, leading to quality and researched-based healthcare for the barracks community and Nigerians who will access the facility.

"On behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and the Division's officers and troops; we appreciate the Minister of Defence and the Ministry of Defence for this beautiful and result-oriented edifice," he said.

The GOC, however, assured that the Division would not only protect the facility but also see that each medical items - equipment and amenities - that comes with the centre would be accounted for.

"I am assuring you (the Ministry) that the Division will put extra measures to ensure that the facility is protected and all items carefully used and accounted for," Dada, who also doubles as the Commander of Joint Taskforce South-East, code-named 'Operation UDO KA', said.

Earlier, Director-General of Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme, Brig.-Gen. Nathan Okeji, (rtd), while handing over the centre, noted that the establishment of the state-of-the-art Laboratory and Research Centre represent a commitment to enhancing healthcare for Nigerian Armed Force and nation.

According to Okeji, this research centre is our promise to every soldier that their health and well-being are paramount and that we are resolute in our mission to provide them with the best medical care possible in the face of challenges associated with healthcare delivery in the Nigerian military.

"The 82 Division Hospital Specialist Laboratory and Research Centre is more than just a facility; it is a beacon of hope, innovation and progress.

"Here, our medical personnel will conduct vital research and diagnostics that will enhance our understanding of various health challenges faced by our troops.

"This centre is intended to serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, training, and collaboration, fostering a culture of learning and medical advancement," he said.

Speaking, the Commander, Corps of Medicals, Brig.-Gen. Samson Okoigi, lauded the Ministry, Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme and the COAS for making the provision of the facility possible, adding that the centre would take care of army personnel and their families.

Okoigi noted that it would deliver top notch, precise and accurate diagnostic results leading to improve patient outcome and image of the hospital and medical services in 82 Division Hospital.

"I will like to reiterate the commitment of Nigerians Army to the optimal health of its personnel. The handover of this centre bring us closer to fulfillment of the commitment," he said.