FG partners with HSRC to drive accountability, equity in health sector reform Accountability

The Federal Government has partnered with the Health Sector Reform Coalition Nigeria (HSRC), a network of civil society organisations (CSOs), to help implement the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme (NHSRIP).

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced the partnership on Friday during a meeting with HSRC members in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the move aims to strengthen accountability, transparency, and community engagement in health sector reform efforts, marking a new chapter in government-CSO collaboration to improve healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

Pate highlighted that reforming the health sector is a journey that includes contributions from CSOs.

“The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is committed to working with HSRC and other partners to ensure that reform goals are not only achieved but sustainable,” he said.

He also endorsed HSRC’s proposal to provide technical support to local governments, helping them manage increased Primary Healthcare (PHC) funding.

“HSRC has been integrated as an accountability partner within the governance framework of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to ensure transparency,” he said.

In his remarks, Chairman of HSRC, Dr Muhammad Lecky, outlined the coalition’s role in the reform process, emphasising the importance of accountability and the involvement of community voices.

“Our goal is to ensure transparency in implementing the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) and hold stakeholders accountable for their commitment to improve health outcomes,” he explained.

Lecky said the coalition would also focus on policy advocacy, raising public awareness, and addressing healthcare inequities affecting vulnerable populations.

“As part of our upcoming efforts, HSRC will evaluate the National Health Act (NHAct), marking its 10th anniversary, with a policy dialogue scheduled for early 2025.

“The coalition has invited Prof. Pate to chair the dialogue, which will assess the Act’s impact on primary healthcare (PHC) and discuss ways to improve its implementation.”

He said that the coalition further acknowledged the Minister’s initiatives, including the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint to revamp Nigeria’s health sector and the issuance of an Executive Order on International Health Workforce Migration Policy.

“These measures reflect a holistic approach to tackle Nigeria’s health challenges, and we’re pleased to be included as strategic partners,” he noted.

He said in collaboration with the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), HSRC planned to host a policy dialogue focused on Nigeria’s health security framework.

“This forum will bring stakeholders together to discuss legal and accountability measures, with a focus on mobilising citizen-led advocacy for policy reforms and sustainable health financing,” he said.

He said that this partnership underscores a new era of accountability and community-centred reform in Nigeria’s health sector.

“Through HSRC’s technical expertise and grassroots reach, the coalition aims to ensure that health reforms achieve meaningful and lasting impact for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations,” he said.