The Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has officially declared open the 12th Plateau State Council on Health 2026, with a renewed call for stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery and translate policy commitments into tangible benefits for the people.

The Council, held yesterday under the theme, “From Policy to People: Consolidating Quality Universal Health Coverage and Health Security on the Plateau,” brings together key stakeholders in the health sector to deliberate on strategies for improving healthcare access, strengthening health systems and advancing the state’s universal health coverage agenda.

The Governor was represented at the opening ceremony by the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, who conveyed his goodwill to participants and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Plateau residents.

Mutfwang commended the Plateau State Ministry of Health and its agencies for their sustained efforts towards strengthening healthcare delivery across the state. He particularly applauded the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, and recognised the contributions of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), under the leadership of its Director General, Dr. Kwande Solomon Dawal.

He acknowledged PLASCHEMA’s drive to expand access to timely, equitable and affordable healthcare, emphasising the importance of ensuring that no resident of Plateau State is left behind in the pursuit of universal health coverage.

Highlighting the connection between public health and economic development, the governor observed that a population burdened by ill health cannot contribute optimally to economic growth.

He therefore urged participants to engage meaningfully with the Council’s theme and develop practical, sustainable solutions that will translate healthcare policies into improved outcomes for the people.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of PLASCHEMA, Dr. Kwande Solomon Dawal, delivered a presentation on “Health Financing and Sustainability: Innovative Financing, Insurance Expansion, and Efficient Resource Allocation.”

His presentation attracted applause from participants as he outlined practical pathways for strengthening health financing, expanding health insurance coverage and improving the allocation of available resources to support sustainable healthcare delivery.

Kwande’s presentation underscored the critical role of sustainable financing in advancing universal health coverage, particularly the need to explore innovative funding mechanisms, broaden insurance enrolment and ensure that resources are deployed efficiently to meet the healthcare needs of the population.

As Plateau State continues to pursue a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system, the 12th State Council on Health provides an important platform for aligning policy direction, institutional responsibilities and implementation strategies towards a common goal, ensuring that quality healthcare becomes increasingly accessible and affordable to every resident.

The Council’s theme reinforces the need to move beyond policy formulation to measurable impact at the community level, where improved access to healthcare can protect families, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to a healthier, more productive Plateau State.

The opening day has set the tone for renewed collaboration among health sector stakeholders, with a shared responsibility to transform commitments into action and bring the promise of universal health coverage closer to every household on the Plateau.