The Federal Government through the Minister of State for Health and Social Development, Dr Tunji Alausa, has unveiled an ambitious plan to fortify the nation’s healthcare landscape.
The roadmap involves bolstering resilience, empowering the workforce, and embracing a digital transformation, signalling a strategic shift toward a more robust and responsive healthcare system.
Alausa said this on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the 64th National Council on Health,(NCH) in Ado-Ekiti.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCH, an apex policymaking body in the Nigerian health sector, annually brings together leaders such as Permanent Secretaries, Commissioners of Health, Heads of Parastatals, and Directors to discuss health-related issues.
The theme for this year meeting, ‘Building the Resilience and Inclusive Health Care System for a Healthy Nigeria,’ underscores the importance of a robust healthcare system, he said.
Alausa said that the theme aligns with the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system comprehensively and deliver meaningful healthcare to every citizen.
The Minister outlined the transformation goals, including efficient healthcare systems, reduction of maternal and infant mortality, addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), combating infectious diseases, and eliminating malnutrition.
He acknowledged deficiencies exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, saying “there’s a call for a skilled and motivated healthcare workforce.
“The initiatives include increasing student intake and state government’s support for training institutions.”
He highlighted the importance of evidence-based research and called for the development of research ecosystem to generate jobs and attract investment into the healthcare sector.
He said that in addressing the need for universal healthcare coverage, there was a focus on equitable and comprehensive health financing.
According to the Minister, “Efforts are underway to strengthen the operationalization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.”
Embracing digitalization in healthcare, the Minister discussed plans for a robust Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system and called for support in navigating digital challenges.
The Minister emphasised collaboration and expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that contributed to the success of the National Council on Health.
NAN
