The Nigerian military has stepped up its appeal to retired personnel, wounded veterans and widows of fallen service members to enrol in the Defence Health Maintenance Limited scheme, saying eligible beneficiaries are entitled to healthcare services without payment.
The call was made by the General Manager, Medical Services, Defence Health Maintenance Limited, Dr. Brenda Chukwufunanya Isikekpei, during a free medical outreach organised in Abuja to mark the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.
The exercise, held at Cobi Makaranta Community in Guzape District, brought together serving and retired military personnel, families of veterans, widows of fallen service members and members of the wider community.
Isikekpei said the government had provided healthcare support for eligible military beneficiaries through DHML, but stressed that registration remained critical to accessing the available services.
She explained that registered beneficiaries could obtain primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare without paying for the services, urging veterans and other eligible groups to take advantage of the arrangement.
According to her, the initiative was also about recognising the sacrifices made by military personnel and ensuring that those who served the country are not excluded from essential healthcare.
“We recognise their sacrifices to our nation,” she said, adding that DHML was committed to meeting the healthcare needs of retired military personnel.
She described access to quality healthcare as a right for eligible beneficiaries and pledged continued efforts to ensure they receive the care and support due to them.
The medical outreach was jointly organised by the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, DHML, the Nigerian Red Cross, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Chairperson of the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, Princess Ashlee Momoh, said the programme was designed to take medical services directly to vulnerable people who may otherwise struggle to obtain basic healthcare.
She said the initiative provided free medical screening, consultations, essential medicines, maternal and child health services, health education and community empowerment.
Momoh noted that although healthcare was a fundamental human need, access remained difficult for many families, making community-based interventions necessary to close the gap.
She also paid tribute to her late mother, whom she credited with inspiring her humanitarian activities and commitment to helping vulnerable people.
The outreach was held under the theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.”
