A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving at the 17 Brigade Medical Centre in Katsina State has transformed the facility’s paediatric ward into a colourful, child-friendly environment designed to improve the healthcare experience of young patients.
The renovated ward was inaugurated on Saturday by the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Ibrahim, who praised the initiative as an inspiring example of innovation and selfless service.
The project was executed by Nurse Nagipekoi Aaron Ali, an indigene of Adamawa State, who is currently undertaking her national service at the medical centre. She said the redesign was intended to reduce children’s fear and anxiety during hospital visits while creating a more welcoming and therapeutic atmosphere.
According to Ali, healthcare facilities should provide more than medical treatment by fostering environments that promote healing, hope and emotional comfort.
Quoting Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing, she noted that, “The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.”
She explained that the ward’s vibrant colours, educational illustrations and playful decorations were deliberately chosen to make young patients feel safer and more relaxed throughout their treatment.
Ali added that creating positive healthcare environments could significantly improve children’s emotional well-being, encourage cooperation during treatment and contribute to faster recovery.
A graduate of Garden City University College, Kumasi, Ghana, where she earned a Bachelor of Nursing Science, Ali also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Speaking during the inauguration, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim commended the corps member for her creativity, compassion and commitment to improving healthcare delivery within the military medical facility.
He described the project as a practical demonstration of patriotism and humanitarian service, noting that it aligns with the Nigerian Army’s efforts to enhance patient welfare and improve the quality of healthcare services.
The commander also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to supporting impactful initiatives undertaken by NYSC members serving in its formations, adding that such interventions would further strengthen civil-military relations.
Stakeholders present at the inauguration described the redesigned paediatric ward as a significant contribution to child healthcare, expressing optimism that the improved environment would enhance patient care and the overall hospital experience.
