Connect with us

News & Politics

HEALTH: State of Aso Rock clinic disturbing – Reps

Published

on

Aso Rock Clinic – Abuja Nigeria

28 days ago, the news broke on the poor and unfortunate state of the Aso Rock Clinic, specially built inside Aso Rock Vila, the Nigerian Seat of Power in Abuja.

The revelation was made by the Nigerian First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who also called for the probe of billions of Naira spent in equipping the Clinic between 2015 and 2017.

READ ALSO: HEALTH: No Single Syringe in Aso Rock Villa Clinic And The Fate Of Ordinary Nigerians

According to punchng.com, Members of the House of Representatives
were in shock on Monday after undertaking a facility tour of the State
House Medical Centre, Abuja, describing its state as “quite disturbing.”

An ad hoc committee of the House, after
the visit, also said the clinic needed urgent rehabilitation and
equipping else it would no longer be advisable to offer medical services
there.

The committee, which is chaired by a
member of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Aliyu Magaji, was mandated
by the House to investigate the centre after President Muhammadu
Buhari’s wife, Aisha, complained that services at the facility had
collapsed.

The House is investigating how the
N10.9bn the health facility reportedly collected for its services
between 2015 and 2017 was spent.

Speaking shortly after the three-hour
facility tour, Magaji stated, “It’s quite disturbing what we saw. We
went round the place and I can now understand what the First Lady met
when she came here.

“This is a very old facility and if it’s
going to answer its name, something drastic must be done. For it to be
called State House Medical Centre, it’s quite disturbing. We will do our
best and submit our report.

“This is just like every other local
government’s health centre that we know. There is nothing interesting
about it. I commend the personnel for working in this condition.”

Another member of the committee, Mrs.
Ayo Omidiran, was alarmed and constantly expressed disappointment as the
members moved from department to department.

She exclaimed, “This is not even a
healthy place for anybody to work, let alone bringing in patients to
receive medical attention.

“How can you have a clinic that has an
empty pharmacy? Look at the place they call medical store, there is
nothing there other than a few free supplies.

“This is a medical centre? There are leaking roofs everywhere and the painting on the walls is peeling off.

“Apart from the Eye Unit, all the other areas here are in a terrible state.”

The members found out that some key machines, including X-ray and dental machines, had failed in the last three years.

They told the committee that the X-ray machine was bought in 2002 and now broke down frequently.

According to the personnel, an
Ultrasound machine installed at the centre does not function regularly
because “there are no UPS to back up power supply.”

At the Dialysis unit, the members were
told that the machines would have to be serviced after treating one
patient before another patient could be admitted.

“There are only two machines that are
being managed. After treating one patient, we have to get technicians to
repair the machines before we admit another patient,” one member of
staff informed the committee.

The PUNCH learnt that following
the facility tour, the committee had resolved to summon the Permanent
Secretary, State House, Abuja, Mr. Jalal Arabi, again for further
questioning.

Arabi had last week defended the poor state of the centre when he appeared before the committee in Abuja.

He had claimed that lack of adequate funding was the main problem of the clinic.

Arabi had denied that the clinic received N10.9bn since 2015, saying that the amount budgeted for the centre was N3.5bn.

Aisha had summed up her findings at the
centre this way, “Few weeks ago, I was sick as well. They advised me to
take the first flight out to London; I refused to go. I said I must be
treated in Nigeria because there is a budget for an assigned clinic to
take care of us. If the budget is N100m, we need to know how the budget
is spent.

 “Along the line, I insisted they call
Aso Clinic to find out if the X-ray machine is working. They said it was
not working. They didn’t know I was the one that was supposed to be in
that hospital at that very time.

“I had to go to a hospital that was established by foreigners 100 per cent. What does that mean?

“So, I think it is high time we did the
right thing. If something like this can happen to me, there is no need
for me to ask the governors’ wives what is happening in their states.

“This is Abuja and this is the highest seat of government, and this is the Presidential Villa.”

She reportedly addressed a two-day
stakeholders’ meeting on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn Child,
Adolescent Health and Nutrition held at the Banquet Hall of the
Presidential Villa.

Global Affairs

Iranian Missile Strikes Soroka Hospital: Assessing June 19 Attack & Broader Devastation–Tracking Times

Soroka Medical Center—responsible for over 1 million residents—activated emergency protocols: evacuating major wards, diverting patients to underground shelters and limiting admissions. Though physical casualties were few, the psychological toll across patients and staff is considerable.

Published

on

Iranian Missile Strikes Soroka Hospital: Assessing June 19 Attack & Broader Devastation–Tracking Times

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, an Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva southern Israel. It also hit Ramat Gan with extreme devastating losses.

The direct hit inflicted extensive damage—blown-out windows, collapsed ceilings—while hospital staff evacuated patients safely. No fatalities were reported, though 40–65 people suffered injuries across southern and central Israel. Additional impacts hit residential towers in Ramat Gan, Holon, and Tel Aviv. (timesofisrael.com)

The images below show collapsed sections, debris fields, and stunned rescue teams.


2. Impact on Medical Services & Patients

Soroka Medical Center—responsible for over 1 million residents—activated emergency protocols: evacuating major wards, diverting patients to underground shelters and limiting admissions. (1news.co.nz) Though physical casualties were few, the psychological toll across patients and staff is considerable.

A volunteer recounted:

“Everything fell apart. Glass, ceilings – everything fell.” (timesofisrael.com)

Nearby towns also reported shattered windows and structural damage. The widespread fear has triggered mental health alerts and community trauma interventions.

Also Read: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times


3. Broader Missile Assault 19–20 June (200 words)

The Guardian and AP News had reported that the hospital hit is part of a wider Iranian missile onslaught. On June 18–19, Iran launched over 30 ballistic missiles, striking Be’er Sheva, Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon. (theguardian.com) Casualties included 40–65 wounded, including at least 6 seriously injured, with reports of war-crime allegations from Israeli authorities.

Also stated that the Israeli Military and residential targets were affected alongside civilian infrastructure. Israel responded with intensified airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor and strategic sites. (apnews.com)


4. International Reactions & Analysis

  • Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu firmly denounced the hospital attack as a “war crime” and pledged severe retaliation on Iran.
  • Israeli Health Minister, Uriel Buso labeled it “terror attack” and crossing “red lines.”
  • Iran’s government asserts it targeted military-related sites, urging Israel not to act surprised.
  • Experts: International Crisis Group’s Ali Vaez warns this marks a dangerous turning point that tests Israel’s air-defense thresholds and risks deeper regional conflict escalation.

Global leaders including the U.S., EU, China, and Russia are calling for de-escalation amid warnings of broader consequences. (theguardian.com)


5. Consequences & Risk Factors

  • Medical infrastructure under pressure: Continued attacks risk crippling health services and expose vulnerable civilians.
  • Escalation risk: Retaliatory cycles may pull in Iran-backed proxies (Hezbollah, Houthis).
  • Humanitarian strain: Trauma from hospital strikes leads to population displacement and mental health crisis.
  • Economic fallout: Markets react sharply; Israeli insurers, medical supplies, and rebuilding faces strain.
  • Legal implications: If civilian hospitals are repeatedly targeted, Israel or Iran could face international legal scrutiny.

6. Defense & Humanitarian Recommendations (150 words)

  1. Enhance Civil Defense: Rapid upgrades to hospital bunkers, emergency drills, and medical staff PTSD training.
  2. Diplomatic Pressure: Immediate UN Security Council intervention to demand respect for medical neutrality.
  3. Early-Warning Integration: Coordinate air-defense notifications directly with hospitals and city shelters.
  4. Aid Corridors: International NGOs partner with Israeli agencies for supplies, counseling, and medical evacuation planning.
  5. Media Transparency: Accurate reporting and documented damage log to support legal accountability and aid calls.

Conclusion

The missile strike on Soroka Hospital starkly illustrates the human cost of this conflict. Immediate defensive, diplomatic, and humanitarian responses are vital—not just to save lives but to deter further escalation. We must act urgently before retaliation spirals into regional war.


Continue Reading

Global Affairs

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times

That statement followed Supreme Leader Khamenei’s own warning that “the battle begins”—signaling Iranian resolve to respond decisively.

Published

on

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times

Iranian state media had issue a warning of “a great surprise will occur—one that the world will remember for centuries.”

Though the exact wording varies slightly by translation. In fact, multiple outlets report that during a live Tehran broadcast, a state television anchor cautioned:

“Tonight, a great surprise will occur—one that the world will remember for centuries.”

According to The Print and unionesarda, “This ominous statement wasn’t aimed at local viewers. It was meant for an international audience, setting a deliberate tone of imminent, dramatic escalation” (theprint.in, unionesarda.it)


1. Context & What Was Said

During live state TV coverage of Israeli strikes, an anchorman declared:

“Tonight, a great surprise will occur, one that the world will remember for centuries.”

That statement followed Supreme Leader Khamenei’s own warning that “the battle begins”—signaling Iranian resolve to respond decisively (nypost.com).

Read Also: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights


2. What Could the “Surprise” Be?

a. Large-Scale Missile Strike
Given past patterns, Iran could launch an unprecedented barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting deep into Israel or U.S. bases in the region.

b. Innovative Weapons Unveiled
New IRGC stealth drones will debut. Hypersonic missiles or electronic warfare systems could also be introduced. These innovations might strike both military targets and critical infrastructure.

c. Proxy Network Activation
Iran-backed groups—Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, Houthis—might start simultaneous attacks across multiple fronts (Lebanon, Gaza, Red Sea).

d. Cyber or Space Operations
Potentially disruptive digital attacks on Israel’s infrastructure or satellite interference—amplifying effects beyond conventional warfare.


3. Immediate Impacts & Risks

  • Civilian Casualties: Higher death tolls, mass evacuations, infrastructure damage.
  • Oil Supply Threats: Attacks on tankers or Strait of Hormuz closure could spike global oil prices.
  • Regional Expansion: Spillover violence increases chance of a broader Middle East war.
  • Global Economic Panic: Markets dip, safe-haven buying surges, flight cancellations from region.
  • Media & Propaganda Blitz: State outlets on both sides will escalate rhetoric, complicating diplomacy.

4. Strategies to Avert Disaster

  1. Immediate Diplomatic De-escalation: Third-party nations (EU, Turkey, GCC) must urgently broker an Iran–Israel communications channel.
  2. UN Security Council Pressure: Immediate resolution calling for pause and reducing aerial incursions.
  3. Establish Crisis Hotline: A direct military-to-military “red phone” between Tehran and Jerusalem to avoid miscalculations.
  4. Proxy Restraint Coordination: U.S. and European sanctions could target non-state actors to limit escalation via militias.
  5. Global Humanitarian Planning: Neighboring countries should prepare refugee shelters, medical assistance, and aid corridors.

5. Long-Term Consequences If Ignored

  • Potential Widespread Conflict: Major powers drawn into localized theaters leads to proxy or direct war.
  • Economic Shockwaves: Energy prices surge, supply chains disrupted, trend toward global recession.
  • Humanitarian Toll: Millions displaced, with little stable response capacity due to simultaneous crises.
  • Global Realignments: Countries may strategically reorient to China, Russia, or alternative trading blocs.

6. Recommended Path Forward

StrategyPurpose
Diplomatic MediationLower tensions before military triggers
Third-Party Escalation TalkReduce risks of blowback from attacks
Public TransparencyMaintain civilian trust and compliance
Technological CautionShare intel on drone/missile tests
Humanitarian & Refugee PrepEnsure readiness for civilian fallout

️Final Take

Iran’s “great surprise tonight” warning is grim—but not inevitable. With thoughtful global diplomacy, military restraint, and coordinated crisis-response, escalation can be prevented.

Continue Reading

Global Affairs

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls. Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.

Published

on

Iran–Israel War Escalates in today’s Attacks

Latest Developments

  • Israel’s Operation Rising Lion launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), key IRGC commanders, and missile infrastructure—including in Tehran—claiming “total air superiority” (theguardian.com).
  • Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones, landing in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions (apnews.com).

Current Casualties & Damage

  • Iran: Health Ministry reports 224 killed, ~1,277 injured; independent sources suggest up to 400+ deaths, many civilians, with extensive damage to city infrastructures—water, power, hospitals (theguardian.com).
  • Israel: Official sources confirm 24 civilian deaths, ~60–500 injured from Iranian strikes (apnews.com).

Official Statements

President Donald Trump

  • Urged all Tehran residents to vacate right away; left G7 early to address crisis (reuters.com).
  • Pushed for a “real deal” nuclear agreement with Iran, denying ceasefire claims (reuters.com).

Israeli Government (PM & IDF)

  • PM Netanyahu stated the operation will persist “as many days as needed to neutralize the threat”—emphasizing hits on nuclear/scientific and missile facilities (understandingwar.org).
  • The military claims destruction of 120 missile launchers (~1/3 of Iran’s stockpile) and “total air superiority” over Tehran (theguardian.com).

Iranian Response


Humanitarian Impact & Civilian Exodus

  • Over 100,000 Tehran residents have fled northwards to Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz provinces (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Reports of fuel shortages, hospital strain, internet blackouts, and psychological distress are emerging (en.wikipedia.org).

🔮 What’s Next?

  1. Further military escalation — Iran may strike U.S. or allies if intervention continues (understandingwar.org).
  2. Nuclear diplomacy in limbo — Iran paused talks pending Israeli ceasefire; Trump supports negotiation .
  3. Broader regional ripple effects — Proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, could escalate (en.wikipedia.org).
  4. Global economic disruptions — Oil prices spiked after Tehran warnings; airlines diverted flights (en.wikipedia.org).

Biblical Perspective

  • Operation Rising Lion invokes Isaiah 31:4 (“As a lion… roars!”), reinforcing Israel’s belief in its God-given resolve (newarab.com).
  • Some Christian prophecy scholars see this as part of eschatological build-up (Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17)—though cautioned by others to avoid hasty conclusions (forums.crosswalk.com).
  • Biblical themes abound: calls for justice, divine defense, and the lament over cities under siege echo Psalms and prophets (e.g., Lamentations 2:1; Joel 3:2). Prayer for peace and wisdom is urged.

Key Takeaways

  • The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls.
  • Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.
  • Expect continued conflict, potential negotiations, and regional escalation.
  • Many believers are interpreting the events through biblical lenses—prayers for peace are critical.

Continue Reading

Trending