Editor
By Fatima Saka
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to hold governors accountable to deliver Universal Health Coverage across the country, saying that healthcare is a fundamental human right.
Tinubu added that his commitment to achieve universal healthcare coverage reflected on the unwavering dedication of his administration.
President Tinubu made this assertion on Tuesday at the State House, while Unveiling Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the signing of the Health Renewal Compact by Federal, State Governments, and Development Partners.
Revolving around the theme for this year “Health for All: Time for Action, recommendation for the healthcare sectors, the president said the actions encapsulates the urgency and determination to approach the noble goal.
He emphasized that health is not merely the absence of disease, or the embodiment of physical, mental and social well being, adding that health is a fundamental human right.
“This right for every individual, the young people in rural or urban areas delivering improved quality health. The outcome is an underpinning factor in my promise of renewed hope. That hope is ignited. Here today and with your support, partners, agencies and is back on the front burner
delivering improved quality health is an under plain fracture my promise of renewal for all Nigerians.
“I believe that a good population is both a cause as well as a consequence of economic development. I also know that by increasing investment in health, Nigeria will be accelerating human capital accumulation and development, likely to enhance our productivity for current and future generations yielding potential demographic dividends.
“That is why in the 2024 budget proposal, we have increased allocation to funds and social welfare as a key element for our nation’s human capital development, recognising the importance of primary health care as the cornerstone of a resilient, integrated healthcare system.
“My administration is embarking on a massive effort from 2024 to refurb, physical infrastructure, equipment, and retraining of frontline health workers in collaboration with partners.
“All the Governors should be aware that there is no political affiliation matter but a commitment to the welfare of our people by working together as one single entity.
“Delivering improved quality health is an underpinning factor in my promise of Renewed Hope to Nigerians. That hope is ignited here today with the support of all multilateral partners and agencies; health is back on the front burner.
”This occasion marks an opportunity for collective reflection and action as we recommit ourselves to the noble pursuit of health for all
”Health is not merely the absence of disease but the embodiment of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a fundamental human right and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Care Coverage is reflected in the unwavering dedication of my administration to uphold this right for every individual, young or old, in rural or urban areas,” the President said.
Noting the importance of primary healthcare in building a resilient, integrated healthcare system, President Tinubu announced plans for a comprehensive revamp of physical infrastructure, equipment, and the re-training of frontline health workers starting from 2024.
To address the high cost of healthcare, President Tinubu said the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) will be redesigned to enhance access to essential healthcare services as outlined in the National Health Act (2014).
The President emphasized the coordination and implementation of these initiatives must be non-partisan.
Highlighting several key policy actions of the administration in the health sector, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate explained that the BHCPF has been redesigned as the foundational basis for a sector-wide approach.
He added that the BHCPF, comprising at least 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, is expected to receive at least $2.5 billion in pooled and unpooled financing from 2024 to 2026 to improve the primary health system nationwide.
The Minister outlined plans to double the number of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027 across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that these PHCs will be linked to a comprehensive emergency care system.
Emphasizing the importance of transparent reporting, Prof. Pate stated that the federal government will make resource allocation, releases, and results transparent to all stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental partners, civil society organizations, and citizens.
He noted that the increased allocation in the proposed 2024 budget for health and social welfare sectors has demonstrated the political will of the Tinubu administration to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improve the health of Nigerians.
”Thanks to Mr. President, the Federal Government is making significant investments in health infrastructure and equipment for our hospitals, as well as the provision of critical commodities, the expansion of health insurance, alongside heightened attention to the welfare of the health workforce,” he stated.
Addressing the rising prices of pharmaceuticals, Prof. Pate announced the federal government’s plan to establish a mechanism for the pooled procurement of critical pharmaceuticals in 2024. This initiative aims to lower costs and guarantee quality, making life-saving medications more affordable for the poorest Nigerians.
”In the medium term, Mr. President’s initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain will see Nigeria manufacturing increasing the share of its generic drugs, medical devices, and associated content, such as vaccines over time. This will reduce our dependence on those only keen to exploit our markets,’ the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare affirmed.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) commended President Tinubu government for the commitment to health reform demonstrated in the unveiling of the Nigeria health sector renewal Investment Initiative on the universal health coverage day.
WHO DG expressed that Unveiling UHC is a turning point for Nigeria and the entire Africa. “The scale of your ambition is a model for other countries, and if implemented, it will send a powerful message throughout our continent.
“That universal health coverage is possible. It can be done. If a country as large and complex as Nigeria can achieve UHC, then anyone can. I’m especially pleased to see that all levels of government and all sectors are represented here today.
“Governors, senators, ministers, phase leaders, bilateral and multilateral partners and civil society. You have understood clearly that achieving universal health coverage is not a job for the Ministry of Health alone. It takes a whole of government and whole of society approach. Of course, you’re not starting from scratch.
“You’re building on investments and gains in health over many years. Nigeria has many achievements of which to be proud, interrupting transmission of wild polio virus, managing COVID-19 Improving immunization coverage, expanding health insurance, reducing the burden of HIV, malaria and tuberculosis and responding to multiple disease outbreaks.
“The helds renewal compact that we are signing today is a powerful commitment to build on those achievements. That’s especially important as at the current growth rate of 2.5%.
“The population of Nigeria is predicted to double by 2050. As we always say, universal health coverage is a political choice. And it’s a choice you’re making. But it’s not a choice that’s made just on paper. It’s made in budget and policy
decisions inside and outside the health sector.
“Most of all, it’s made by investing in primary health care, which is the most inclusive, equitable, cost effective and efficient path to universal health coverage. In particular, investing in primary health care means investing in the people who deliver it, the health and care workers for the backbone of every health system.
“So I welcome the fact that the Government of Nigeria is walking that talk with the health sector renewal Investment Initiative. I congratulate you on this initiative, with its goals of strengthening governance, improving access to quality care, supporting research and development and local production, and strengthening health security and climate resilience.
“Making the initiative work requires rigorous implementation and careful monitoring to ensure value for money performance. And quality care. Your Excellency, Mr. President, dear colleagues and friends, WHO is proud to have been your partner on this journey so far, working with federal and state ministries of health development partners, civil society and the private sector to develop the latest Nigerian country cooperation strategy.
“WHO is proud to join you in designing the health sector in all compact, and we remain committed to working with all of you on the road towards universal health coverage and healthier, safer, more equitable, and more prosperous future for all Nigerians. “As the Yoruba proverb ‘Alera Laura’ says, Health is wealth!”
