FG Unveils Digital Health Drive, Targets Inclusive, Resilient Healthcare System

Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako
Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare 

"The reforms are anchored on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2023, to transform the country's health sector from fragmented interventions to an integrated, results-driven system." Salako 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, resilient and technology-driven healthcare system, unveiling reforms aimed at addressing workforce shortages, infrastructure deficits and financing gaps to accelerate the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this while delivering the keynote address at the Insights Learning Forum (ILF) 2026 in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, "Strengthening National Health Systems Through Inclusive Policy, Innovation and Service Delivery," Salako said the reforms are anchored on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2023, to transform the country's health sector from fragmented interventions to an integrated, results-driven system.

He revealed that the National Digital Health Architecture, adopted by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is laying the foundation for an interoperable healthcare system built on the principle of "One Patient, One Health Record," while telemedicine is expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

According to the minister, the ongoing reforms could generate annual economic returns of about ₦4.8 trillion by reducing preventable diseases, cut the estimated ₦850 billion lost yearly to medical tourism, and reduce preventable maternal and child deaths by up to 50 percent.

Salako highlighted key milestones, including the development of over 21 strategic health policies, expansion of health insurance coverage, construction of more than 500 health infrastructure projects, establishment of 17 new federal tertiary health institutions and six Centres of Excellence for Cancer Care, as well as the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities.

On health financing, he said the Federal Government supports plans to increase the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. He added that ₦235 billion of the ₦339 billion BHCPF released under the current administration has been disbursed, with the latest ₦32.9 billion supporting over 8,300 primary healthcare centres nationwide through performance-based financing.

The minister also cited progress in strengthening the health workforce through expanded recruitment, implementation of the Health Workforce Migration Policy, engagement of Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora, and improvements in emergency medical services.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, Salako urged state governments, development partners, the private sector and health technology innovators to align with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Compact and the National Digital Health Architecture to deepen coordinated implementation.

He also commended eHealth Africa for supporting the solarisation of 238 public health facilities across 12 states under the National Power for Health Initiative, alongside its contributions to strengthening health data systems and emergency operations centres.

This was contained in a press release was signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Abuja.