Tinubu administration is revolutionizing the health sector – Minister

The federal government says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking significant steps to revolutionize Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Author: Abujah Racheal

The federal government says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking significant steps to revolutionize Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

These initiatives included new infrastructure projects, improved regulations, and efforts to boost local manufacturing, workforce development, and health insurance.

Prof. Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a ministerial sector briefing ahead of Tinubu’s first anniversary.

Pate disclosed that groundbreaking ceremonies for 10 major healthcare infrastructure projects across Nigeria would be held soon.

“These projects will see the establishment of new radiology and clinical pathology centers in several regions, including Kaduna, Idubu and Asaba,” he said.

The minister emphasized that these facilities are part of a broader strategy aimed at improving access to health care and diagnostic capabilities throughout the country.

“The President has committed to renewing the health sector, and these landmark projects reaffirm that promise.

“These new centers will bring advanced diagnostic services closer to people, improving early detection and treatment of various diseases,” he said.

He said the administration is focusing on increasing local pharmaceutical production to reduce dependence on imports and create jobs.

“Effective regulation has played a key role in these efforts, providing an enabling environment for local producers.

“A notable example is the partnership with a Brazilian entity investing $240 million to set up manufacturing facilities in Lagos to produce test kits,” he said.

To address the medical staff shortage, Pate said, the administration increased the number of training positions from 38,000 to 64,000.

“This expansion aims to produce a new generation of healthcare professionals equipped to meet the country’s growing needs,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of encouraging Nigerian doctors abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to the country’s healthcare system.

“We have seen an encouraging trend of well-trained Nigerians returning from abroad. This influx of expertise will significantly improve the quality of our healthcare services,” he noted.

The minister said the government aims to increase health insurance coverage from 17 million to 50 million Nigerians.

“This initiative is critical to increasing the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services.

“Imagine the transformative impact of providing equitable coverage to 50 million Nigerians. This will radically change the dynamics of our healthcare sector,” he said.

He said the ministry, in cooperation with Ghana, had closed several open drug markets to combat fake drugs in the country.

Pate said they are also working to establish coordinated wholesale centers to streamline the supply chain and ensure the distribution of safe medicines.

He assured Nigerians that the government is vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s health security under the One Health approach.

“This strategy involves collaboration between the health, agriculture, environment and water sectors to comprehensively address health issues. We are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all Nigerians.

“Our multi-faceted approach, including surveillance and regulatory measures, aims to combat both communicable and non-communicable diseases,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since Tinubu assumed office, he has focused on implementing the “Renewed Hope Agenda” for the health sector.

NAN reports that the program aims to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in Nigeria.

The administration significantly increased the health sector budget to P1.58 trillion, a significant increase over previous allocations.

This increase is intended to support broad-based infrastructure development and improvements to the health care system.

Tinubu’s ‘Agenda for Renewed Hope’ has set ambitious goals for Nigeria’s health sector, focusing on increased investment, expanded insurance coverage and improved infrastructure.(NAN)