Anglican Church to reform, strengthen healthcare facilities, services

• Plans HMO, pharmaceutical production outfit, healthcommission

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has begun moves to reposition and strengthen its healthcare facilities to enable them to provide comprehensive and quality services.

The church also plans to integrate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in alignment with Biblical teachings and modern health standards. It also expressed a commitment to partner with the Federal Government to provide quality healthcare to Nigerians.

Primate of the Church, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, who disclosed this at the maiden Health Summit organised by the church in Abuja, lamented that modern lifestyles, characterised by stress, unhealthy diets, and sedentary behaviour have led to a rise in chronic diseases and mental health issues, as well as stressed the need for the integration of physical, general, and spiritual health for achieving holistic well-being.

Ndukuba recalled the church’s historical role in pioneering healthcare, and efforts in establishing clinics and hospitals since the 19th century, emphasised the urgent need for the church to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, and inadequate government response.

He said: “Nigeria is at the crossroads, with myriads of challenges and outcry of the citizens in the face of hunger, sickness and diseases, suffering and afflictions. The government cannot meet all the needs of our people. The physical and general welfare of others should be of concern to us Christians, as well as their spiritual vitality.

“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, and economic or social condition. The health of all people is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security.”

He stated that the Church of Nigeria should play a leading role in healthcare delivery that touches and care for ordinary Nigerians and charge the summit to come up with a template for establishing the Church of Nigeria Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) to respond to the healthcare needs of the people.

The Primate noted that the church urgently needs a functional pharmaceutical production and servicing outfit to support and complement the healthcare institutions of the church and called for the establishment of the Church of Nigeria Health Commission to coordinate the church clinics, hospitals and Healthcare Institutions for effective administration and collaboration.

He said: “From the 19th century to the present day, medical missions have played a pivotal role in introducing and expanding modern medical practices in Nigeria. This summit is to examine the place of our Church in healthcare, chart a way forward and engage in quality healthcare delivery in the country.

“Medical missions in Nigeria have a rich history rooted in the broader context of missionary work during the colonial era. These missions significantly impacted the development of healthcare systems, introducing modern medical practices and establishing hospitals and clinics that still serve communities today.”

On his part, the Chairman of the National Steering Committee, Dr. Peter Nmadu, said that the summit was envisioned to assess the Church of Nigeria’s investments and performance in the health sector, appraise opportunities for mainstreaming and strengthening interventions towards the improvement of the health status of members and the larger society on a sustainable basis, as well as prepare a framework for the development of the church’s health policy.

He said: “What is about to unfold will solidify the foundations for establishing the Anglican Church’s standards of healthcare delivery aligned to global best practices, collaborating with both public and private sector initiatives to improve the nation’s health indices.”

At the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Prof John-Kennedy Opara, highlighted the church’s historical contributions to the health and education sectors.

While reflecting on the 2014 Ebola crisis, Jonathan acknowledged the bravery of healthcare workers, like Dr Stella Adadevoh, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
He also acknowledged the passage of the National Health Act signed into law during his administration, which he said had significantly improved healthcare access for millions of Nigerians.

“The National Health Act 2014 established a framework for the provision of essential health services, the management of health resources, and the protection of patients’ rights. Today, over 10 million Nigerians across our various states have access to health insurance provided by the various state social health insurance schemes,” he said.

Jonathan called on the Anglican Church to spearhead health insurance enrollment and bridge disparities in healthcare access. He also urged faith-based organisations to leverage their community influence to advocate for equitable healthcare policies and foster partnerships with both the government and private sector.

“The church must harness its platforms and resources to lead a transformative health initiative that ensures that no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for quality, affordable healthcare,” he added.