Nigeria Prioritises Affordable and Quality Healthcare to Save Lives, Reduce Pain

The Nigerian Government said it remain committed to saving lives and reducing both physical and financial burdens through affordable and accessible healthcare.

The Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate made this statement during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Ministerial Leadership on Performance Management Systems (PMS), held in Bauchi State.

In a statement by Head, Information and PR Alaba Balogun, Prof. Pate emphasized that the current administration’s health sector focus is a critical component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to deliver healthcare to all Nigerians, irrespective of income or location.

“Since assuming office, the government has initiated steps to expand and upgrade teaching hospitals across the country and provide essential medical equipment.

“These life-saving measures and other performance indices are captured under the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare,” Prof. Pate remarked.

He noted that these strategies are already yielding results, citing projects in Bauchi State such as the expansion of the Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, a new diagnostic center, and the reinforcement of the VVF Centre in Ningi, which serves women affected by obstetric fistula from across the nation.

Prof. Pate further highlighted the establishment of a new Federal Medical Centre in Misau and the upgrading of the Azare Teaching Hospital to cater to the entire North-East geopolitical zone.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, stating that more is to come in terms of health sector transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

On the affordability of healthcare, Prof. Pate stressed the importance of collaboration between sub-national and local governments to advance primary healthcare and health insurance.

“Through health insurance, we have already seen over 2.4 million vulnerable Nigerians accessing affordable care,” he revealed.

He also emphasized that the government’s Health Sector Strategic Blueprint focuses on strengthening the health value chain, including the local manufacturing of medical supplies, test kits, and other essentials, this initiative is expected to create jobs for Nigerian youth while ensuring a sustainable healthcare system.

The 2024 Ministerial Leadership on Performance Management Systems event, organized by the Ministry, brought together Chief Medical Directors and CEOs of healthcare institutions across the country underscoring the importance of leadership accountability and improved healthcare quality for all Nigerians.