Editor
The Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has emphasized that the core focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector is to save lives and reduce both physical and financial suffering by ensuring that Nigerians have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare.
Addressing the press in Bauchi State during the conclusion of the 2024 Ministerial Leadership On Performance Management Systems (PMS) organized by the Ministry, Prof. Pate stated that since assuming office last year, the current administration has taken concrete steps to achieve this goal.
“These steps include the expansion and enhancement of Teaching Hospitals across all geopolitical zones of the country, as well as the provision of essential medical equipment to ensure the health and well-being of all Nigerians, irrespective of their income level or origin.”
He highlighted that these life-saving initiatives and various performance indicators are meticulously incorporated and implemented within the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint initiated by the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare.
Prof. Pate exemplified the progress being made by stating, ”In Bauchi State, the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives is becoming evident. Teaching Hospitals have been expanded, a new site has been allocated for the Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, and a state-of-the-art diagnostic center is under construction at the current site.
“The VVF center in Ningi, which caters to women affected by obstetric fistula, is being reinforced to serve women from the North-Eastern region and beyond.
“Additionally, a new Federal Medical Centre has been established in Misau, and a upgraded Teaching Hospital in Azare now serves not only Bauchi State but the entire North-East Geopolitical zone, fulfilling the President’s promise to enhance the health of Nigerians.”
The Minister also expressed satisfaction with the results achieved so far, emphasizing that this is only the beginning of the health sector transformation. He commended President’s leadership and commitment to prioritizing health as a fundamental aspect of his administration.
Regarding healthcare affordability, Prof. Pate stressed the significance of collaboration between sub-national and local governments in expanding primary healthcare and health insurance to enable Nigerians to afford necessary medical care.
He stated, ”Through health insurance, over 2.4 million vulnerable Nigerians have already accessed affordable healthcare. We aim to further expand health insurance coverage, enhance human resources through training and employment opportunities.”
Moreover, the Minister elaborated on the importance of unlocking the value chain as part of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint. This initiative focuses on local manufacturing of essential healthcare commodities such as bednets and test kits to create job opportunities for the youth while ensuring the provision of necessary services and products to enhance the health of Nigerians.
The 2024 Ministerial Leadership On Performance Management Systems (PMS) was a pivotal 3-day event organized by the Ministry for its management staff, Chief Medical Directors of primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions nationwide, as well as CEOs of Agencies.
Prof. Pate underscored the importance of strengthening sector leadership, ensuring accountability for performance, and enhancing the quality of healthcare services for all Nigerians as crucial objectives of the event.
