President Bola Tinubu is seeking the cooperation of health sector professional bodies to help the Federal Government achieve Universal Health Coverage.
He has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing the healthcare system and ensuring high-quality Universal Health Coverage.
During a courtesy visit from the Nigerian Medical Association’s leadership, led by Professor Bala Audu, President Tinubu requested their support.
Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented the President and highlighted the government’s notable progress in the health sector.
According to a press statement issued by Tashikalmah Hallah, Special Adviser on Media and External Relations to Minister Pate, the government is implementing strategic initiatives to address critical challenges.
These initiatives include increasing training quotas for healthcare professionals, streamlining recruitment procedures, and implementing policies to retain healthcare workers.
Additionally, efforts are underway to upgrade health infrastructure, expand diagnostic and cancer care facilities, and strengthen primary care through collaboration with state governments.
“Additionally, the government is working on expanding access to healthcare for vulnerable groups through the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“I assured the NMA that Mr President remains deeply committed to advancing healthcare with a respectful and dignified work environment for the Nigerian health workforce.
“We understand the challenges that remain and are focused on improving the quality of healthcare services for Nigerians. We appreciate all health workers who are striving despite the obvious challenges we are facing as a country. However, the challenges are not insurmountable, as long as we keep the interest of Nigerians at heart and approach each other constructively”, the minister stated
On his part, Audu said, “We fully support Mr President’s sector-wide approach to improving quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria and in providing Universal Health Coverage with the target of improving our population health indices.
“Your Excellency, sir, I crave your indulgence to the request for the full implementation of the following healthcare-related policies that are innovative and initiated by your administration. Doubling the carrying capacity for training of the health workforce; National Policy on Healthcare workforce retention, and Health Facility Regulation.”
Audu stressed that the NMA is enthusiastic about working with the government to effectively implement these policies for the betterment of the Nigerian health sector.
“We are convinced that this government is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian receives the best quality healthcare that the patient-centered and respectable without any undue financial hardship,” he noted.
He praised the government for lowering electricity tariffs for public health facilities, but urged President Tinubu to also extend this benefit to private institutions, which have made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
This, he argued, would help alleviate the financial strain on patients and clients by reducing costs.
