The Federal Government has revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s government is spearheading a significant transformation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
These measures encompass new infrastructure projects, strengthened regulations and initiatives to enhance local manufacturing, workforce development and health insurance coverage.
During a Ministerial Sectoral Briefing in Abuja before Tinubu’s first year in office, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate unveiled these advancements. Pate announced that groundbreaking ceremonies for ten major healthcare infrastructure projects are on the horizon across Nigeria.
“These projects will introduce new radiology and clinical pathology centres in various regions, including Kaduna, Idubu and Asaba,” he stated.
The minister underscored that these facilities form part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare accessibility and diagnostic capabilities nationwide.
“The President is dedicated to revitalising the health sector, and these groundbreaking projects attest to that commitment. These new centers will offer advanced diagnostic services closer to the people, improving early detection and treatment of various health conditions,” he remarked.
In a bid to bolster local manufacturing, he highlighted the government’s focus on enhancing local pharmaceutical production to diminish reliance on imports and generate employment opportunities.
“Effective regulations have been pivotal in this endeavour, fostering a conducive environment for local manufacturers. Notably, a partnership with a Brazilian entity, investing $240 million to establish manufacturing plants in Lagos for producing test kits,” he added.
Addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, he mentioned that the government has boosted training slots from 38,000 to 64,000.
“This expansion aims to cultivate a new cadre of healthcare professionals equipped to address the nation’s burgeoning needs,” he emphasised.
He also stressed the importance of enticing Nigerian medical professionals abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to the country’s healthcare system.
“We have observed a positive trend of skilled Nigerians returning from overseas. This influx of expertise will significantly elevate our healthcare services,” he pointed out.
Regarding health insurance coverage, the government aims to escalate coverage from 17 million to 50 million Nigerians.
“This initiative is pivotal in making healthcare services more affordable and accessible. Picture the transformative impact of extending equitable insurance to 50 million Nigerians. It would fundamentally alter the landscape of our healthcare sector,” he expressed.
When questioned about combating counterfeit drugs, he mentioned that the ministry, in collaboration with Ghana, has shuttered numerous illicit drug markets and is striving to establish coordinated wholesale centers to streamline the supply chain and ensure the distribution of safe medications.
Addressing recent public health apprehensions, he reassured Nigerians that the government is vigilant in safeguarding Nigeria’s health security through a One Health approach.
“This approach entails cooperation between the health, agriculture, environment, and water resources sectors to holistically address health concerns. We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Nigerians.
“Our multifaceted strategy, encompassing surveillance and regulatory measures, is designed to combat both infectious and non-infectious diseases,” Pate elucidated.
Science Nigeria disclosed that since President Tinubu assumed office, his administration has prioritised implementing the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda” for the health sector, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes nationwide. Within this framework, several accomplishments and challenges have surfaced.
The Tinubu administration has substantially raised the health sector budget to ₦1.58 trillion, signifying a notable increase from previous allocations. This rise is intended to support extensive infrastructure development and health system enhancements.
Approximately 750,000 additional Nigerians have been enrolled in health insurance schemes. This endeavor is part of a broader initiative to ensure more citizens can access affordable healthcare through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the Vulnerable Group Fund.
The government has launched robust vaccination campaigns, successfully immunising millions of children against diphtheria and other diseases.
This proactive stance has also been evident in managing Lassa fever outbreaks, with essential response materials distributed nationwide.
Plans are in place to double the number of fully operational Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027. This expansion aims to enhance access to primary healthcare services across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Significant investments are being channeled into healthcare infrastructure, including establishing new oncology, radiology and diagnostic centres in 12 tertiary hospitals. These developments are anticipated to bolster the capacity for specialised medical services.
Stakeholders in the health sector have identified several challenges, including funding and resource allocation. Despite augmented budget allocations, ensuring efficient and transparent utilisation of these funds remains a notable concern.
They have underscored the need for equitable resource distribution and effective utilisation to meet healthcare requirements.
Nigeria continues to grapple with issues related to healthcare professionals emigrating. Stakeholders acknowledged that the administration is concentrating on strategies to retain and expand the healthcare workforce through improved training and working conditions.
Enhancing the collection and utilisation of health data is paramount for effective governance and service delivery, aiming to elevate accountability and transparency in resource allocation and health outcomes reporting.
The high cost of pharmaceuticals poses a significant barrier. The government plans to institute a pooled procurement mechanism to drive down costs and guarantee the availability of essential medicines.
Boosting the capacity to respond to health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, is pivotal. The government’s dedication to proactive disease control measures is ongoing, but the imperative for enhanced readiness and response mechanisms persists.
President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda has set ambitious targets for Nigeria’s health sector, focusing on heightened investment, expanded insurance coverage and enhanced infrastructure.
However, addressing funding efficiency, workforce retention and pharmaceutical accessibility will be crucial in overcoming challenges and realising these objectives.
