Health
THE Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, has said that Nigeria is at the cusp of monumental progress in delivering improved quality in healthcare and social welfare outcomes to her citizens.
In his remarks at the World Bank/International Monetary Fund #SpringMeetings, Pate noted that following the election of President Bola Tinubu last year, a renewed focus on social welfare, human capital and health was ushered in through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that at the heart of this transformative agenda is the NHSRII, which builds on the National Health Act of 2014. The Act has paved the way for a unified approach to healthcare, linking Federal and State Governments, numerous stakeholders across the federation.
According to him, given the unique challenges and unimpressive indicators of Nigeria’s health sector, the NHSRII sets out ambitious, but vital goals for sustainable development.
“With the overall aspiration to save lives, reduce physical / financial pains, and produce health, we’re committed to improving health outcomes on a grand scale, addressing underperformance across the board to truly transform the landscape of healthcare in Nigeria.
“From the onset, the NHSRII was endorsed by the highest levels of Government, including the National Council on Health, the Federal Cabinet, and the National Economic Council. This reflects a robust, all-of-government approach that is rare and commendable. The collective spirit of our nation is evident as we move forward, with State Governors and development partners also pledging their support.
“We are addressing the systemic inefficiencies by enhancing coherence within our fragmented health system, which consists of 36 states, the FCT, 774 LGAs, and numerous development partners. The aim is to maximize the impact of existing resources and attract additional domestic and international funding.
“Also, we are solving for equity by targeting the disproportionate burden of disease and mortality, particularly relating to maternal and child health, across different regions and demographics. Recognizing the uneven distribution of healthcare services, we are also embedding equity as a foundational element to ensure all Nigerians have fair access to quality care. We’re proud to count on the collaboration of our private sector actors, civil society, faith-based and traditional institutions,” he said.
According to him, the achievement of these goals will not happen without cost as it requires increased domestic financing, a commitment strongly supported by Mr. President and echoed by the state governors.
“As we stand at this critical juncture, the urgency to act cannot be overstated. The reforms initiated by Mr President have set the stage for a monumental shift in how healthcare is delivered and managed. The transformation of Nigeria’s health sector represents not just a policy shift but a moral imperative, and success in this endeavor is vital not just for Nigeria but for global health,” he added.
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-April 22, 2024 @ 12:36 GMT|
Tags: NHSRII
