President Bola Tinubu has called on professional bodies in the health sector to collaborate with the Federal Government in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on Wednesday, the president sought the support of the NMA, led by the National President, Prof. Bala Audu.
In the press statement signed by Pate’s Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah, the minister underlined the president’s strategic initiatives aimed at addressing critical challenges in the sector. These include increasing healthcare training quotas, streamlining recruitment processes for health professionals, and introducing policies to retain healthcare workers.
Prof. Pate also noted ongoing efforts to upgrade health infrastructure, expand diagnostic and cancer care facilities, and strengthen primary healthcare in collaboration with state governments. He added that the government is working to enhance access to healthcare for vulnerable groups through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The Presidency reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring the delivery of quality universal health coverage across the nation.
“The President is deeply committed to improving healthcare services and ensuring a respectful, dignified work environment for the Nigerian health workforce. We recognise the challenges but remain focused on elevating the quality of healthcare for all Nigerians,” he stated.
In his remarks, Prof. Audu, expressed the NMA’s full support for the government’s initiatives to improve healthcare delivery and achieve UHC. He urged the president to implement more health policies, including expanding training capacity for the health workforce and enforcing the National Policy on Healthcare Workforce Retention.
Audu also applauded the government for reducing electricity tariffs for public health institutions, while appealing for similar relief for private institutions that play a vital role in healthcare delivery. He noted that this would reduce the financial burden on patients and ensure equitable access to care.
The NMA boss reiterated the association’s readiness to partner with the government to implement these policies effectively for the advancement of the health sector.
