The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has stated that the recent tax reform bill signed into law will increase government revenue, provide additional resources to finance basic healthcare services and education.

Speaking after the Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting in Abuja, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate, emphasised that the tax reform is critical in reducing dependence on external financing for health, education and other critical sectors.

He said: “When you create a simplified tax bill, you are increasing government revenue, and it is that government revenue that will finance issues like health, education, and others. If we can collect more of the resources that are due, then governments at all levels will have the resources to invest in health.”

The minister observed that the Federal Government has allocated substantial resources to the health sector in this year’s budget, and mobilised additional funds to provide essential drugs for those testing positive for various diseases.

Pate emphasised the need for collaboration between the Federal Government, states, and local councils in strengthening the country’s health system and providing quality healthcare services to Nigerians.

Earlier, Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, said that the revitalisation of primary healthcare is a key agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He also noted that the presidential directive on unlocking the healthcare value chain is already making an impact in health sector reforms, particularly in the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Salako explained that the Ministerial Oversight Committee’s involvement in the reforms reflects the level of inclusiveness and transparency employed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The minister said the approach is driving more involvement at the sub-national level, civil society organisations, and synergy among government agencies.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr OyebanjiFilani, who is also the Chairman of the Health Commissioners’ Forum, commended the efforts of the Federal Government and other stakeholders in improving the healthcare sector.

Filani noted that massive renovation of PHCs is ongoing across the country, and highlighted the importance of equipping healthcare facilities and training health workers to provide quality services.

He observed that the government wants to ensure that more people have access to quality healthcare services, become healthier, and are productive in the economy.