…… Financial Protection for the Vulnerable
…… Maintaining Industrial Harmony
THE Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammadu Ali Pate, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving population health outcomes and providing financial protection for the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.
These priorities are central to the health sector agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, professor Pate emphasizied.
A key focus of this mission is also to ensure industrial peace and harmony within the critical health sector, the coordinating minister highlighted these goals during the opening ceremony of the 65th National Council on Health (NCH) in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The event was held at the Muhammadu Indimi Centre for Distance Learning, University of Maiduguri, with the theme of the 65th NCH meeting, “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success,” brought together Commissioners of Health from Nigeria’s 36 states, top officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, development partners, and civil society organizations.
According to a press statement issued by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations on Friday.
Prof. Pate emphasized the administration’s responsiveness to citizens’ health needs and its efforts to incorporate their perspectives in shaping policies and initiatives.
Prof. Pate outlined key achievements under the National Health Renewal Investment Initiative, stressing the government’s focus on governance reforms. He noted that regulatory bodies, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have been repositioned to ensure the safety, efficacy, and distribution of health products.
He further highlighted the partnership between the Federal and State Governments, which has facilitated improvements in primary healthcare. More than 8,000 primary healthcare centers across Nigeria have benefitted from the ₦46 billion Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). Additionally, over 43,000 frontline health workers have been trained, with a target of 120,000 still in progress.
The Coordinating Minister also spoke about expanding medical relief programs to ensure the poorest and most vulnerable have access to essential healthcare products. He announced ongoing efforts to revitalize thousands of primary health centers in collaboration with state governments.
Prof. Pate highlighted the success of initiatives aimed at reducing maternal mortality and supporting women with obstetric fistula complications. Under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), over 1,000 women have received free treatment for obstetric fistula complications, and this effort is expanding to include emergency obstetric services like cesarean sections at selected facilities.
“By the end of the year, we anticipate less than 100 pending cases, with reimbursements from the NHIA ensuring these services remain free for women facing emergencies,” he said.
On industrial harmony, Prof. Pate appealed to professional groups in the health sector to prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people. He assured stakeholders that the administration is actively addressing concerns and resolving issues frontally.
Borno State’s Commitment to Health
Declaring the 65th NCH meeting open, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Abuja Declaration, which mandates that states allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to health.
Governor Zulum announced a salary increase for medical doctors in the state civil service, bringing their pay in line with their federal counterparts. He directed the Commissioner of Health to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure equitable remuneration.
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He described the NCH meeting as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and delivering on President Tinubu’s vision of saving lives, reducing pain, and ensuring health equity for all Nigerians.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, commended Governor Zulum for his hospitality and dedication to improving healthcare in Borno State. She praised his commitment to the welfare of the health workforce and his unwavering support for the sector’s development.
The 65th National Council on Health concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerating universal health coverage and improving the health and well-being of all Nigerians.
