FG highlights achievements, promises quality, affordable healthcare

The Federal Government has underscored significant strides made in the health sector under President Bola Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, listed some of the achievements at the 65th National Council on Health (NCH) in Maiduguri on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council has “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success” as its theme, wher
Pate presented key progress made in the sector.

The minister said the administration had successfully enhanced governance and strengthened cooperation between the federal and state governments, as well as
health partners.

He said “one key achievement is the reduction in child mortality, alongside marked increase in service utilisation across the country.”

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle the affordability of healthcare, noting that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has expanded coverage,
including free maternal health services for women with obstetric complications.

“Additionally, the revitalisation of primary healthcare is underway, with nearly 4,000 centres set to benefit from collaborations with state governments”, he said.

He, however, explained that while progress was significant, more work was needed, particularly in ensuring equitable access and quality care across the country’s
teaching hospitals and healthcare facilities.

On industrial harmony, Pate emphasised the administration’s efforts to resolve workers’ disputes, saying that “industrial peace is essential to uninterrupted healthcare
services. There is need for dialogue.”

Looking ahead, he pledged to focus on the quality of care in higher institutions and reducing healthcare costs, including subsidies for medications.

“The government’s efforts, alongside contributions from development partners, are paving way for a more resilient and accessible healthcare system, aligning
with Nigeria’s vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” he added.

The Chairperson of the UHC 2023 Forum, Mrs Moji Makanjuola, expressed confidence that Nigeria is on track to making the health sector unbeatable, in spite of
the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

She said “I am convinced that we are on the right track to take Nigeria to take its rightful place among nations. All of us must do our best to make this dream a reality.”

On his part, the Director, West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Dr Melchior Aissi, stressed the importance of community engagement in health.

He said “community engagement enables local populations to take control of their health, detect early health issues, and address challenges with appropriate solutions.”

Dr Walter Mulombo, the Head of WHO Nigeria, stressed that the healthcare system must be responsive to the needs of all societal members, regardless of
socioeconomic status, ethnicity, culture or gender.

He underscored the principle of inclusivity and equity, noting that UHC must prioritise marginalised and vulnerable persons to ensure no one is left behind.

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Ibn Garbai, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn-Umar Ibrahim-El-Kanemi, said “UHC is a fundamental right.

“It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that this right is protected for all citizens.”

He further stressed that achieving UHC was not just a policy goal, but a societal obligation requiring collective action.

Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, the Borno Commissioner for Health and Human Services, said UHC was a promise to all citizens, a commitment to ensure no one is denied access to essential health services due to financial or geographical barriers.

Gana echoed the message of equity and inclusivity, stressing the importance of making healthcare accessible to everyone.

NAN reports that the annual NCH brought together health leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss critical sub-themes such as health workforce development, community engagement and leveraging digital health solutions.

Hosted by the Borno Government, the event underscored the collective responsibility of ensuring accessible and equitable healthcare for all Nigerians.