Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Anglican Church and all faith-based organisations to continue their unwavering commitment to health and social justice to boost healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Jonathan who made this call on Wednesday at the maiden edition of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Health Summit, with the theme; ‘The Church of Nigeria and Universal Health Coverage,’ noted that the summit was both timely and critical, as it addresses a fundamental aspect of the nation’s development and well-being of the citizens.
He noted that the influence, reach, and trust of the Church in the communities can bridge the gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system and bring Nigeria closer to achieving universal health coverage.
The former President said that by advocating for equitable healthcare policies, supporting health education initiatives, and fostering partnerships with government and private sector entities, the church can play a transformative role in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
“The church’s holistic approach to community development can help create an environment where individuals can thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually. In conclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to the health and well-being of all Nigerians.
“Let us work together, hand in hand, to build a healthcare system that leaves no one behind, where every Nigerian has access to quality and affordable healthcare services. The journey may be long and challenging, but with faith, determination, and collective action, we can achieve our vision of universal health coverage,” he said.
Jonathan, who was represented by the former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Prof. John Kennedy Opara, said that he had the privilege of signing the National Health Act (NHA) into law during his administration.
“This landmark legislation laid the foundation for improving our healthcare system and made it possible for our citizens to access quality healthcare services, across the country.
“The National Health Act 2014 established a framework for the provision of essential health services, the management of health resources, and the protection of patients’ rights.
“Today, over 10 million Nigerians across our various states have access to health insurance provided by the various state social health insurance schemes. Despite these strides, we recognise that the journey towards achieving universal health coverage is far from over.
“There are still significant gaps in healthcare access, infrastructure, and funding that need to be addressed.
This is where the role of the church, particularly the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, becomes indispensable,” he said.
Earlier, while delivering his address, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, said that the Summit will examine the place of the Church in matters of Healthcare and chart a way forward for the Church to engage effectively in quality Healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“We hope that this conference will come up with a steering team for the establishment of the structure of the Church of Nigeria Health Commission, whose duty will be to coordinate our Church Clinics and Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions for effective administration and collaboration among them.
“This Commission will have Advisory and Regulatory oversight (setting standards and quality control) for uniformity, coordination of mission-driven, compassionate, and efficient healthcare delivery within the Communion.
“The Church of Nigeria should play a leading role in Healthcare delivery that touches and care for ordinary Nigerians, especially our members. We charge this Summit to give us a template for establishing the Church of Nigeria Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to respond to the Healthcare needs of the people. This Church has the advantage of spread in Nigeria,” he said.
He further said that the Church of Nigeria needs a Functional Pharmaceutical production and servicing outfit to support and complement the Healthcare Institutions of this Church. This is very urgent.
“We request for the establishment of a Fellowship and the Church of Nigeria Health Professionals Association to galvanise our members who are in Healthcare and to help build the future of this Church as you work to raise the young people and mentor them in this Compassionate service to God and Humanity,” he said.
