Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He called on professional bodies, including the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), to collaborate with the government in realizing this ambitious goal.
The President’s message was delivered by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during a courtesy visit by the NMA executives led by its National President, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu.
Prof. Pate outlined the significant strides made in the health sector under President Tinubu’s administration, highlighting key initiatives designed to address critical challenges.
‘The President has implemented strategic initiatives, such as increasing training quotas for healthcare pre-service training, streamlining recruitment procedures for health professionals, and introducing policies to retain healthcare workers.
‘Efforts are also underway to improve
health infrastructure, expand diagnostics and cancer care facilities, and enhance primary healthcare services in partnership with State Governments.’
In a press release the SA Mediaand External Relations CMHandSW, Tashikalmah Hallah, Prof. Pate said the government is also focused on expanding access to healthcare for vulnerable groups through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIA).
Prof. Pate assured the NMA that the President is committed to advancing healthcare with a respectful and dignified work environment for Nigeria’s health workforce.
‘We understand the challenges and are dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare services for Nigerians,’ he stated.
Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, President of the NMA, expressed the association’s support for the ongoing reforms, particularly President Tinubu’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) to healthcare delivery.
‘We fully support Mr. President’s approach to improving quality healthcare delivery and achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria,’ said Pro
f. Audu.
He urged the government to fully implement innovative healthcare policies, including doubling the training capacity for health workers, the National Policy on Healthcare Workforce Retention, and Health Facility Regulation.
The NMA President also praised the Federal Government for reducing electricity tariffs for public health institutions, while appealing for similar concessions for private institutions that significantly contribute to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
‘This would alleviate financial burdens on patients and clients,’ he added.
Prof. Audu reiterated the NMA’s commitment to collaborating with the government to effectively implement these policies for the benefit of the Nigerian health sector.
‘We are convinced that this government is dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian receives patient-centered and respectable healthcare without undue financial hardship,’ he emphasized.
President Tinubu’s renewed hope and strategic actions demonstrate his administration’s determination to bui
ld a resilient healthcare system, aimed at improving population health indices and ensuring accessible, high-quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
Source: Voice of Nigeria