By Stellamaries Amuwa
The Federal Government has concluded plans to revitalise the country’s health sector and improve life expectancy of Nigerians.
Consequently, government plans to release N50 billion as the first tranche to fund Basic Healthcare Fund, up from N25 billion allocated in the sector in 2022.
Also, government disclosed that it has recruited 2,497 Doctors, Midwives/Nurses, and CHEWs and to boost 1,400 health facilities across the country.
The 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, stated 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 quality healthcare for all Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
According to him, “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.
“The rising cost of pharmaceuticals is a pressing concern, and we are taking decisive action to address this issue. “
“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”.
The minister explained that emphasis have been on to improve health care through Vulnerable Group Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), adding 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.
To combat Lassa fever, he announced the distribution of essential response commodities to states and treatment centers across the nation including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin (injection and tablets), body bags, thermometers, hypochlorite hand sanitizers, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.
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.
Speaking further on ways to improve healthcare in the country, 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.
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.
