The Federal Government has announced its achievement of significant milestones in improving healthcare infrastructure and services across Nigeria.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate revealed that a total of 201 specific infrastructure projects in federal hospitals, including renovations and new constructions, have been completed. Additionally, 179 crucial medical equipment pieces have been procured and distributed across the six geopolitical zones, enhancing healthcare services nationwide.
Pate highlighted the positive impact of these developments, noting that approximately 4.5 million Nigerians accessed outpatient health services, and 1.6 million had inpatient admissions in 33 federal tertiary hospitals. This demonstrates the increased utilisation of government-provided healthcare services and the effectiveness of the infrastructure improvements.
The minister emphasised that these achievements are attributed to President Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to enhancing the healthcare sector. Plans are underway for groundbreaking ceremonies of 10 healthcare infrastructure projects, including diagnostic and oncology centers, across the geopolitical zones, facilitated by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority in collaboration with public-private partnerships.
Furthermore, the government is dedicated to expanding healthcare infrastructure and equipping teaching hospitals through major public-private partnerships to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for all Nigerians. The minister commended the dedication of healthcare professionals across federal hospitals in achieving these milestones.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the President has approved the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, aiming to reduce barriers related to importing raw materials and equipment for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This initiative seeks to promote domestic production of essential healthcare items, such as syringes, needles, generic pharmaceuticals, test kits and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for malaria. The focus is on policy changes to facilitate the healthcare value chain and promote local production of essential healthcare items, promoting self-sufficiency and economic growth.
These developments underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of all Nigerians.
