A non-governmental organisation, Democracy and Good Governance Forum, North-East, has commended the federal government and the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for what it described as “transformational strides” in Nigeria’s health sector, particularly the establishment of a cancer treatment centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.
The group, known for highlighting the positive contributions of individuals and institutions in the North-East, regardless of political or religious affiliations, praised Prof. Pate for his “remarkable leadership and commitment” to improving healthcare delivery across the country.
Chairman of the group, Comrade Sulaiman Ahmad, said this in an interview with our correspondent in Bauchi.
He described Prof Pate as a “performing minister” whose experience and dedication have significantly bridged the nation’s healthcare system gaps.
Ahmad noted several key federal health initiatives, including the reduction of maternal and child mortality rates, free access to healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, and the drastic reduction in the cost of dialysis from N50,000 to N12,000 in teaching hospitals.
According to Ahmad, Prof Pate’s policies have also addressed long-standing manpower shortages in federal hospitals, significantly reducing medical tourism
He commended expanding primary healthcare facilities, with over 1,000 new centres constructed nationwide, backed by over N86.8 billion from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. More than 61,700 health workers have also been trained to strengthen service delivery.
Additional achievements include free cesarean operations for childbirth, an increase in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage to over four million Nigerians, and the establishment of new healthcare institutions such as the Teaching Hospital in Azare and the Federal Medical Centre in Misau.
“In just two years, over 61 health facilities have been constructed, rehabilitated, or equipped with medical supplies. Prof. Pate has also facilitated a $3.4 billion intervention fund for the health sector,” Ahmad stated.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue supporting Prof. Pate, noting that his policies have earned the trust and confidence of Nigerians.
“As a grassroots politician from Misau local government area of Bauchi State, Prof. Pate’s passion for addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges is evident. His policies are delivering real results, and Nigerians are benefiting from a more accessible and affordable healthcare system,” Ahmad added.
