President Bola Tinubu has called on health sector professionals to support the Federal Government’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
During a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) executives, led by National President Prof. Bala Audu, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Represented by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate, the President highlighted the government’s strides in healthcare advancement.
A press statement from Pate’s Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah, outlined several key initiatives aimed at overcoming critical healthcare challenges.
These include increasing training quotas for healthcare professionals, streamlining recruitment processes, and implementing policies to retain medical staff.
Prof. Pate also emphasized efforts to enhance health infrastructure, expand diagnostic and cancer care facilities, and strengthen primary care through collaboration with state governments. He noted that the government is working to broaden access to healthcare for vulnerable populations through the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“President Tinubu is dedicated to advancing healthcare in Nigeria, ensuring a respectful and dignified work environment for health workers,” Pate said. “We acknowledge the challenges faced and remain committed to improving healthcare quality.
We appreciate the efforts of health workers and believe that, by focusing on the interests of Nigerians and maintaining a constructive approach, these challenges can be addressed.”
In response, Prof. Audu expressed full support for the President’s comprehensive approach to healthcare improvement.
He requested the implementation of several innovative policies initiated by the administration, including increasing the capacity for health workforce training, the National Policy on Healthcare Workforce Retention, and Health Facility Regulation.
Audu praised the government’s recent reduction in electricity tariffs for public health institutions but urged that similar relief be extended to private healthcare providers. “Such measures will alleviate the financial burden on patients and enhance the overall effectiveness of healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” Audu added.
