Nigeria Transforms Healthcare Via Governance, Primary Care, Local Production

The Federal Government has announced transformation of the healthcare delivery system, focusing on governance, primary healthcare enhancement, local production and national health security.

Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the Fifth Legislative Summit on Health.

The summit had the theme: “Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage”.

Pate highlighted the need for the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative  to tackle the country’s pressing healthcare issues.

“A People’s Voices Survey with 2,500 participants indicated widespread dissatisfaction with the healthcare system, citing disease burden, affordability and quality of care.

“Despite significant spending, health outcomes are not meeting expectations compared to countries with similar or lower investment levels,” he  said.

The minister said that the survey identified maternal, newborn and child health issues, infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV,  and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases as major concerns.

“Only 37 per cent  of Nigerians were somewhat satisfied with the current healthcare system, and 20 per cent were very satisfied,” he said.

He said that  the challenges included high costs, low government revenue and fragmentation across federal, state and local governments.

He stressed the importance of mobilising resources, prioritising healthcare at all levels, and enhancing the impact and transparency of regulatory bodies such as National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

“Plans include expanding primary healthcare centers from 1,800 to 17,000 by 2027, and retraining 120,000 frontline health workers.

“Revitalising federal institutions and teaching hospitals to focus on specialised treatment and promoting local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices are also key objectives.

“An MOU with Afreximbank for a billion dollars in private sector financing has been signed to support these initiatives.

“Strengthening the NCDC, improving surveillance systems, and maintaining strategic stockpiles are also part of the strategy,” he said.

Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health,  said that the Renewed Hope Health Agenda of the Tinubu administration emphasised governance, addressing workforce shortages, sustainable health financing, and improving healthcare delivery.

The adviser said that the  agenda also focused on maternal, newborn and child health, adolescent health, elderly care, and achieving self-sufficiency in medicine production.

Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, underscored the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a primary goal for legislators and stakeholders.

Represented by Sen. Lola Ashiru, Deputy Leader of the Senate, Akpabio highlighted the need for collaboration between national and state assemblies, as well as development partners.

Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO’s representative in Nigeria, praised Nigeria’s commitment to UHC and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Mulombo called for increased government  expenditure on health, reduced out-of-pocket costs, and greater private sector engagement for sustainable health improvements.

In her welcome address, Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged the poor indices of Nigeria’s health development and urged urgent measures to address gaps in the healthcare delivery system.

“We believe, that with collaboration, dialogue and knowledge-sharing, we can improve healthcare and make life better for all Nigerians.

“No part of Nigeria should be left out,” Banigo said. (NAN)