The Hospital was originally designed to cater for the needs of women and children in Nigeria and the West African sub-region with a view to reduce morbidity and mortality rates, and to carry out extensive research into the peculiar causes of women and children- related diseases in Africa. After the recruitment of manpower from home and abroad, the Hospital commenced operations on 1 September 1999. However, in order for the vast majority of Nigerians to benefit from the services and modern equipment in the Hospital, the scope of its operation was expanded to accomodate male patients. Initially christened ‘National Hospital For Women And Children’, the National Hospital, Abuja’ came into effect from 10 May 2000. The Physical structure was constructed by the Arab Contractors and later by Julius Berger[Nigeria] Plc, whilst the medical equipment was supplied and installed by Philips Projects (B.V.).