….. Calls For Stronger Medical Support Systems
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, declared open the Conference of Heads of Police Healthcare Facilities Nationwide, emphasizing the growing importance of medical services in modern policing.
The conference, themed *“Transforming Policing in Nigeria: The Evolving Role of the Directorate of Force Medical Services,”* brought together senior police medical professionals to chart a new direction for healthcare delivery within the Nigeria Police Force.
In his remarks, the IGP said the future of policing requires not only courage but also physical, emotional, and psychological resilience. He described the gathering as a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of police personnel who serve on the nation’s frontline.
Egbetokun highlighted the evolution of police medical services since their establishment in August 1975 at Alagbon, Lagos, noting that they have expanded significantly over the years. With 64 police healthcare facilities now operational nationwide, he said the system continues to provide essential medical support to officers, their families, and persons in lawful custody.
The IGP recalled that in August 2025, exactly 50 years after its creation, the Force Medical Services was elevated to a full Directorate. He said the upgrade reflects the strategic importance of healthcare to officer morale, operational readiness, retention, and overall policing effectiveness.
He outlined expectations for the Directorate, stressing the need to shift from supportive to preventive care, build coordinated medical frameworks, and develop a fully networked and professional healthcare system across police facilities.
Egbetokun also commended flagship institutions such as Police Hospital Falomo in Lagos and Police Hospital Akure in Ondo State, which continue to provide specialised care and contribute to national healthcare manpower by training intern nurses and house officers.
As discussions commenced, the IGP urged participants to think as system builders, addressing issues such as digital health integration, trauma care, mental health support, emergency coordination, professional accreditation, and sustainable staffing.
He praised the dedication of officers in the medical directorate, describing their often unnoticed contributions as essential to national security.
Declaring the conference open, Egbetokun called for measurable outcomes that will strengthen the police healthcare architecture for future generations.
“Let this conference be a turning point—one defined by strategy, purpose, and results,” he said.
