The Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate has officially launched a three-year partnership aimed at providing accessible heart surgeries and advanced cardiovascular care to underprivileged and financially disadvantaged Nigerians.
The partnership, formed between FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) and the Healthy Heart Foundation, was formalized at a signing event in Abuja.
During the launch, Pate emphasized the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, particularly hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and strokes, which are rapidly becoming the most significant health challenges. Acknowledging the government’s limited resources to address these issues, he urged the private sector to emulate the initiative led by FIRST E&P and the Healthy Heart Foundation in expanding healthcare access.
“We are truly grateful for this partnership, which demonstrates the power of collaboration across sectors,” Pate remarked. “It provides critical access to cardiac care for Nigerians at a time when the need is rising. Partnerships like these are essential in improving health outcomes and saving lives. On behalf of the Ministry and all Nigerians, I extend my heartfelt thanks for this impactful intervention.”
The partnership will facilitate a variety of cardiovascular treatments, including open-heart surgeries, Percutaneous Cardiac Interventions (such as Coronary Angiograms and Angioplasties), and Device Insertions like Pacemakers, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD).
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Over the next three years, more than 360 individuals are expected to benefit from free open-heart surgeries. The Healthy Heart Foundation will manage the selection and confirmation of beneficiaries, while FIRST Cardiology Consultants will conduct the procedures.
Henry Odein Ajumogobia, Chairman of the Board of FIRST E&P, underscored the significance of this partnership, pointing out that although thousands of Nigerians require heart surgery each year, only about 200 surgeries are performed annually. “At FIRST E&P, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our people and communities. We are pleased to help bridge the gap in healthcare and provide critical care to those who need it most,” Ajumogobia said.
Adeyemi Johnson, MD/CEO of First Cardiology Consultants and Co-founder of the Healthy Heart Foundation, echoed the commitment to transforming cardiac healthcare accessibility. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Managing Director of FIRST E&P, added that the partnership aligns with the company’s broader mission, which extends beyond energy development to community well-being.
He highlighted the company’s social development initiatives focusing on education, health, and enterprise development, reinforcing the importance of improving lives through impactful programs like this.
