Health
PROF. Ben Akabueze, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, says health investment service is a catalyst for economic growth in the country.
Akabueze said this at the 8th Future of Health Conference with theme, “The Political Economy of Health: Investing on the Future of Nigeria”, organised by the Nigeria Health Watch on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the conference was germane by providing the opportunity to discuss the determinants of health outcomes in various options available for sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria.
Akabueze, who was represented by Prof. Olumide Ayodele, Technical Assistant to the D-G. Budget Office of the Federation, said the event also created an avenue to discuss measures for all effective healthcare delivery across the country.
The D-G, who gave keynote address on financing healthcare sustainably in Nigeria, said the importance of improved healthcare services for economic growth and development could not be overemphasised.
According to Akubueze, health investment service is a catalyst for economic growth through higher labour force, higher labour productivity, innovations and improved well-being of the population.
“It is generally said that health is wealth, a healhty population engenders economic prosperity.
“It is, therefore, imperative to ensure significant investment in health, effective delivery of healthcare services and equitable access to healthcare services in Nigeria.
“Health is high on Nigeria’s development agenda.
“In view of social economic returns of healthcare investment, a key objective of the National Development Plan 2021- 2025 is to enable a healthy population ” he said.
Akabueze. who said there was need for the primary healthcare to be funded at the local government level, urged all stakeholders to be involved to reduce mortality rate and enhance workforce.
He commended the consistency of the Nigeria Health Watch for organising health conference focusing on topical issues.
Dr Obi Ikechukwu, Commissioner for Health, Enugu, who spoke on political leadership in health, said that health system governance must be strengthened for accountability.
“Health system governance means strategic frameworks that existed and combined with effective oversight, coalition building, regulation, attention to system design and accountability.”
He explained that strong governance in health systems must be guided by competent leaders with clear vision and the ability to motivate and mobilise other health system stakeholders.
He called for political leaders who would ensure a complete state of physical, social and mental wellbeing and not just the absence of disease.
Ikechukwu also said there should be a continuous state of adjustment of physical, social, mental and environmental stimulus.
He added that there should be a commitment to determination of the cost of healthcare which would drive efficient health benefits package at all levels.
Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, said there was need to engage political leaders to ensure health achieved more priority in the country.
“We have to make our decision makers accountable in terms of health as it is time to engage political class on the portfolio for health sector as election year draws closer.
“It is important to plan for the future of health in Nigeria. When we have good health, everything else will follow.
“If we have good health, our economy will be better.
“Engage them on what you expect them to do when they are elected and also make them ensure health as basic priority,” she said.(NAN)
Tags: Dr Obi Ikechukwu Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu Prof. Ben Akabueze Prof. Olumide Ayodele
