Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Federal government to revamp the healthcare sector and ensure the provision of high-quality Universal Health Coverage.
He implored professional organizations within the sector to collaborate with the government in realizing this objective.
The President solicited the support of the executives of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), headed by the National President, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu during their courtesy visit.
Acting on behalf of the President, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, underscored the substantial strides made by the government in the health sector.
He outlined the President’s strategic endeavors aimed at tackling pressing issues, such as augmenting training quotas for healthcare pre-service training, streamlining recruitment processes for health professionals, and implementing policies to retain healthcare workers.
Moreover, the initiatives are in progress to bolster health infrastructure, expand diagnostic and cancer care facilities, and fortify primary care in partnership with State Governments. Additionally, efforts are being made to broaden access to healthcare for marginalized groups through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIA).
“I reassured the NMA that Mr. President remains deeply dedicated to advancing healthcare with a conducive and dignified work environment for the Nigerian health workforce.
“We acknowledge the persisting challenges and are dedicated to enhancing the quality of healthcare services for Nigerians. We commend all health workers who are persevering despite the evident challenges facing our nation. However, these challenges are surmountable, as long as we prioritize the interests of Nigerians and engage in constructive dialogue with one another,” the Minister articulated.
Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, the President of the NMA, pledged the support of the medical body to the ongoing reforms within the health sector, particularly underscoring the sector-wide approach aimed at enriching the quality of healthcare delivery nationwide.
According to him, “We wholeheartedly endorse Mr. President’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) to enhancing quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria and in providing Universal Health Coverage with the objective of ameliorating our population health indices.
“Your Excellency, sir, I humbly request the full implementation of the following innovative healthcare-related policies initiated by your administration.
Doubling the carrying capacity for training of the health workforce; National Policy on Healthcare workforce retention, and Health Facility Regulation”.
Professor Audu stressed that the NMA is eager to collaborate with the government in effectively implementing these policies for the enhancement of the Nigerian health sector.
“We are convinced that this government is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian receives the finest quality healthcare that is patient-centered and dignified without imposing undue financial hardship,” he appended.
Professor Audu also commended the Federal Government for the recent reduction in electricity tariff for public health institutions but implored the President to extend the same gesture to private institutions which, he mentioned, have made significant contributions to healthcare delivery in Nigeria. This, he contended, will alleviate the financial burden on patients and clients.
