The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Foundation has announced plans to spend over N15 million to cover hospital bills for financially challenged patients across selected hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Chairman of the Foundation, Comrade Owen David, revealed this during a medical outreach programme at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. According to David, the initiative aims to bring relief to indigent patients and ease their burden amid Nigeria’s harsh economic realities.

“We’re on a mission to touch lives—especially those who can’t afford their treatments. Women, children, people who have literally nothing. We target the most vulnerable and give them hope,” David said.

The outreach team, which included the Foundation’s Secretary and Chairperson of the PENGASSAN Women Commission (PWAC), Engr. Ada Mbanaso, visited several wards, including Paediatrics, Male Orthopaedic, Gynaecology, and Female Surgical Wards. A total of 13 patients in critical condition benefited from the financial support.

David also disclosed that similar visits had already taken place at General Hospitals in Karshi and Bwari, and the team plans to visit the Nyanya General Hospital soon.

Receiving the delegation, acting Chief Medical Director of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Prof. Bob Ukonu, highlighted the overwhelming pressure on the facility, especially due to understaffing and high patient traffic.

“The hospital records an average of over 650 patients daily—about 500 outpatients and 150 inpatients. Our manpower is overstretched. With the ‘Japa syndrome,’ many health workers have left, and though the government is trying to replace them, more still needs to be done,” Ukonu stated.

He added that the hospital’s rural and semi-urban location attracts a large population of indigent patients, intensifying the demand for affordable care.