Thousands of retired military personnel, wounded soldiers and widows of fallen service members may now have easier access to healthcare following a renewed call by Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) for eligible beneficiaries to register and take advantage of government-funded medical services provided at no cost.

The appeal was made during a large-scale medical outreach held in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Humanitarian Day, where healthcare professionals, humanitarian organisations and government agencies came together to provide free medical services to military families, veterans and members of the public.

The outreach, which took place at the Cobi Makaranta Community in Abuja's Guzape District, was jointly organised by the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, Defence Health Maintenance Limited, the Nigerian Red Cross, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of Medical Services at Defence Health Maintenance Limited, Dr. Brenda Chukwufunanya Isikekpei, said the initiative was designed not only to deliver medical care but also to recognise the sacrifices made by military veterans and the families of those who paid the ultimate price in service to Nigeria.

She stressed that the Federal Government has already made provisions to ensure that retired military personnel, wounded-in-action officers and widows of deceased veterans can access comprehensive healthcare services through DHML without paying out of pocket.

According to her, many eligible beneficiaries are yet to register for the programme, a situation she said the agency is working hard to change through awareness campaigns and community engagements.

Dr. Isikekpei explained that registered beneficiaries can access healthcare services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, describing the initiative as part of a broader commitment to ensure that those who once defended the country are not abandoned in retirement or after suffering service-related injuries.

She noted that healthcare should not be treated as a privilege for military veterans but as a right earned through years of sacrifice and dedication to national service.

The public health physician said World Humanitarian Day serves as a reminder that access to healthcare, dignity and social support should never exclude vulnerable groups, particularly those who have served the nation in uniform and the families they left behind.

The event also served as a platform to celebrate healthcare workers and humanitarian volunteers whose efforts continue to improve the lives of underserved communities across the country.

Earlier, Chairperson of the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, Princess Ashlee Momoh, described the day as a powerful reminder of the responsibility to care for the vulnerable and support those facing barriers to essential services.

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She said the annual observance goes beyond symbolic recognition, noting that it represents a commitment to extending compassion and practical assistance to people in need.

According to her, the free healthcare outreach was conceived to bring medical services directly to veterans, widows and disadvantaged residents who often struggle to access quality healthcare.

Princess Momoh said many families continue to face significant challenges in obtaining basic medical attention, making community-based interventions increasingly important.

She explained that the outreach provided a range of services, including medical screenings, consultations, maternal and child healthcare, health education and the distribution of essential medications.

Beyond treatment, she said the programme was intended to restore dignity and reassure beneficiaries that they remain valued members of society.

In an emotional reflection, Princess Momoh credited her humanitarian journey to the influence of her late mother, whom she described as the inspiration behind her commitment to community service and compassion for the less privileged.

She said her mother's teachings continue to shape the foundation's mission of reaching vulnerable populations and ensuring that no one is overlooked during times of need.

This year's outreach was held under the theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” a message organisers said reflects the growing importance of partnerships between government institutions, humanitarian groups and community leaders in addressing healthcare inequalities.

For many beneficiaries who received medical attention during the outreach, the programme offered more than treatment—it provided reassurance that their sacrifices, struggles and contributions have not been forgotten.

As calls intensify for more veterans and widows to enrol with Defence Health Maintenance Limited, stakeholders say the success of the initiative could play a crucial role in improving healthcare access for thousands of former service personnel and their families across the country.