TINUBU ASSURES OF MASSIVE HEALTHCARE INVESTMENTS, ..... Says Nigeria Is Committed To Achieving Universal HealthCare Coverage

President Tinubu Signing An Agreement With State Govs & Global Healthcare Partners At The State House Banquet Hall, Abuja on Tuesday

”Health is not merely the absence of disease but the embodiment of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a fundamental human right and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Care Coverage is reflected in the unwavering dedication of my administration to uphold this right for every individual, young or old, in rural or urban areas." Tinubu.

"The BHCPF redesign has become necessary as the foundational basis for a sector-wide approach." Pate.

“With the support of our esteemed dignitaries and the solidarity of our international partners, we stand poised to turn commitments into action, translating aspirations into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery." Alausa.

In order to enhance access to essential healthcare services as outlined in the National Health Act (2014), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate has confirmed the plan by the Federal Government to redesign the Basic Health Care Provision Fund BHCPF.

Prof Pate, while highlighting several key policy actions of the administration in the health sector, explained that the BHCPF redesign has become necessary as the foundational basis for a sector-wide approach.

He gave this assertion at the unveiling of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the signing of the Health Renewal Compact by Federal, State Governments, and Development Partners at an event that held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, in Abuja on Tuesday.

This was a part of activities marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12.

According to the Coordinating Minister of health and Social Welfare, “the BHCPF, comprising at least 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, is expected to receive at least $2.5 billion in pooled and non-pooled financing from 2024 to 2026 to improve the primary health system nationwide.

He outlined plans to double the number of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027 across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that these PHCs will get links to a comprehensive emergency care system.

Emphasizing the importance of transparent reporting, Prof. Pate stated that the federal government will make resource allocation, releases, and results transparent to all stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental partners, civil society organizations, and citizens.

He noted that the increased allocation in the proposed 2024 budget for health and social welfare sectors has demonstrated the political will of the Tinubu administration to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improve the health of Nigerians.

”Thanks to Mr. President, the Federal Government is making significant investments in health infrastructure and equipment for our hospitals, as well as the provision of critical commodities, the expansion of health insurance, alongside heightened attention to the welfare of the health workforce,” he stated.

Addressing the rising prices of pharmaceuticals, Prof. Pate announced the federal government’s plan to establish a mechanism for the pooled procurement of critical pharmaceuticals in 2024. This initiative aims to lower costs and guarantee quality, making life-saving medications more affordable for the poorest Nigerians.

”In the medium term, Mr. President’s initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain will see Nigeria manufacturing increasing share of its generic drugs, medical devices, and associated content, such as vaccines over time. This will reduce our dependency on those only keen to exploit our markets,” the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare affirmed.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare in his welcome address at the event, said the presence of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Director general of the World Health Organisation, WHO, and other global health leaders, is an attestation of the successes before the nigeria health care sector in the days to come.

“These are all integral to the collective journey towards accessible, resilient healthcare system,” he said. 

He noted that, “with the support of our esteemed dignitaries and the solidarity of our international partners, we stand poised to turn commitments into action, translating aspirations into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery.

He noted that the signing of the compact seeks to bring together, federal, sub-nationals as well as development partners  both bilateral and multi-lateral to ensure that investments in our shared renewal vision translates into the desired transformation that we all desire to see.

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his address at the event, said his administration was prioritizing and improving Nigeria’s health sector through massive investments and the allocation of increased funds to the sector in the proposed 2024 budget. 

According to Tinubu, “delivering improved quality health is an underpinning factor in my promise of Renewed Hope to Nigerians. That hope is ignited here today with the support of all multilateral partners and agencies; health is back on the front burner.”

”This occasion marks an opportunity for collective reflection and action as we recommit ourselves to the noble pursuit of health for all. The theme for this year ‘Health for All: Time for Action’ encapsulates the urgency and the determination with which we must approach this noble goal.

”Health is not merely the absence of disease but the embodiment of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a fundamental human right and Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Care Coverage is reflected in the unwavering dedication of my administration to uphold this right for every individual, young or old, in rural or urban areas.”

President Tinubu, while noting the importance of primary healthcare in building a resilient, integrated healthcare system, announced plans for a comprehensive revamp of physical infrastructure, equipment, and the re-training of frontline health workers starting from 2024.