*To revitalise healthcare sector, provide citizens with comprehensive health insurance, says Prof. Pate
By Ada Okafor The Federal Government has unfolded plans to revitalise the health sector in the country and prove health and life expectancy of Nigerians.
Towards this end, government has concluded plans to release N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, an increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022.
Similarly, government has recruited 2,497 Doctors, Midwives/Nurses, and CHEWs and to boost 1,400 health facilities which already have Skilled Birth Attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities in all corners of the country.
Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, while speaking at a Ministerial Press Briefing coordinated by the Minister of Information and National Orientation in Abuja explained that “since the beginning of this administration, we have enrolled about 750,000 more Nigerians in health insurance”.
According to him, improving health access through health insurance, was to provide access to quality health for all Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
He explained that emphasis have been to improve health care through Vulnerable Group Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in addition, Prof. Pate said that “since the inception of diphtheria response, over 5 million children have been immunized with the Penta vaccine and 10 million children with Td vaccines.
“In our ongoing efforts to combat the threat of Lassa fever, I am pleased to announce the comprehensive measures taken by the Federal Government to enhance response capabilities and safeguard the health of Nigerians.
“To strengthen our response to Lassa fever outbreaks, the federal government has embarked on the distribution of essential response commodities to states and treatment centers across the nation especially in affected states.
“These include Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin (injection and tablets), body bags, thermometers, hypochlorite hand sanitizers, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.
“By centralizing treatment and care, we can effectively manage cases, prevent transmission, and improve patient outcomes”.
The Minister also said that “in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, we have taken proactive steps to address the shortage of healthcare professionals.
“By increasing the number of medical students admitted to medical schools, we are boosting the healthcare workforce and laying the groundwork for a healthier future”.
He explained that the challenges posed to students who qualify for internship in the medical field are being addressed to provide for seamless transition from classrooms to hospitals where they will gain the requisite practical experiences before their final graduation.
Speqking further on ways to improve hewlthcare in the countey, Prof. Pate said: “Within the next two weeks, we will unveil a comprehensive program to digitize our healthcare system, streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving patient outcomes.
“The rising cost of pharmaceuticals is a pressing concern, and we are taking decisive action to address this issue. “An executive order will soon be issued to curb escalating drug prices in the short term, while our mid to long-term goal involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade.
“In a strategic move to fortify the pharmaceutical infrastructure across the nation, the Federal Government initiated the construction of pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in 21 states in collaboration with Drug Management Agencies.
“Two additional warehouses at the federal level are also underway, complemented by the installation of the Warehousing Management Information System (WMIS) – M Supply, in these 21 pharma-grade warehouses.
“This visionary project, commenced in October 2023, is slated for completion in March 2024, with a scheduled commissioning in April 2024.
“The development of two Unified Food Safety Training Manuals, focusing on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles as well as the requirements for Good Hygiene and Manufacturing Practices (GHP/GMP) along the food supply chain, underscores our commitment to promoting food safety and hygiene practices across the nation”.
To guarantee continuity and progress, he added that the Ministry has secured a $1 billion pledge from Afriexim bank, alongside commitments from foreign partners, to support our endeavors.
He urged Nigerians to keep faith with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Restore Hope Agenda, stressing that no stone will be unturned to revitalise our health systems and reduce hardships currently being encountered.
