Federal government has assured of its commitment to build a resilient and inclusive healthcare system in Nigeria in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju gave the assurance during the Technical Session of the 64th National Council meeting on Health (NCH) in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
The theme of the NCH meeting which is scheduled to hold from 13th to 17th November 2023 is ‘Building A Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare System for a Healthy Nigeria’.
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that the meeting was significant as it offers a platform for laying the foundation for not only changing the narrative of building a resilient health system but also re-establish the trust of Nigerians in the country’s health sector.
Daju stated that the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic witnessed a profound lesson that transcends borders in which every nation must ensure that its healthcare system, possesses resilience to prepare for, recover from and absorb shock.
“This must be done while upholding the core functions of catering to the ongoing and acute healthcare needs of the community with particular focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us”, she added.
Speaking further, she asserted that the meeting in its efforts to make polices to establish an inclusive healthcare system is poised to setting structures to provide equitable access to healthcare services and deliver quality care to all individuals regardless of their background, socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender, age or other characteristics to expedite progress towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UCH).
Several sub -themes were identified as critical drivers for the healthcare system, they are as follows: Strengthening healthcare access and institutional governance as a panacea for attainment of Universal Health Coverage; Building a skilled and motivated workforce; Harnessing evidence- based research and development for better health; Innovative financing for a 21st century Healthcare agenda and Digital transformation and Health information systems.
Recognising the challenges and acknowledging the enormous potential for positive change, the Permanent Secretary enjoined all to collectively work together towards a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
She expressed appreciation on behalf of the Ministers to the Ekiti State Government, Development Partners, State Health Commissioners and Stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and support to prioritising health.
Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Olushola Gbenga Igotun adduced that the health of the people determines their strength.
She expressed optimism that the meeting will be decisive in deliberations that will move the country forward.
In his remarks, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative & Head of Mission, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulumbo, represented by Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Khedr, Field Presence Cluster Lead said that “it is an opportunity for WHO and other partners to make contributions and support the government in its implementation” adding that the framework will be implemented across all levels from federal to state levels.
