Heavy investment in health sector by past administrations yet to commensurate collective goals – Pate
Minister of Health, Ali Pate, says that while the health sector has made significant strides over the years, the investments have not kept up with the gains.
This, he said, has enabled the complexity of Nigeria’s health system which has only made it more difficult to meet the goals as a nation.
Pate was speaking on the topic of “Building resilience and inclusive healthcare system for a healthy Nigeria” at the 64th National Council on Health, NCH, in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State state.
He emphasised the importance of establishing a regulatory framework that would guarantee the best possible healthcare standards and protect against corruption.
“Though great progress has been made over the years, the pace has not been commensurate with the investments and the complexities of our health system have only added to the drag in the movement towards achievement of our collective goals,” he said.
According to Pate, NCH’s stakeholders would make the most of its potential in order to accomplish their shared objectives.
Pate said that “an accountable healthcare system responsive to our citizens is the only way we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, receives the care they deserve.”
The minister also disclosed intentions to restructure the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which was created under NHA 2014, in order to increase its efficacy and efficiency.
He said that the BHCPF 2.0 will act as a special purpose vehicle to propel the priority projects and strategic changes that will move us closer to realising our lofty yet doable aims and objectives.
In order to “ensure that health is put on the front burner of our priorities,” he said that President Bola Tinubu had approved the adoption, design, and implementation of a domesticated, context-sensitive sector-wide approach as an inventive, comprehensive, and coordinated strategy for the improvement of health outcomes. He also asked state governments for their assistance in this endeavour.
“We are redesigning the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), established by NHA 2014, to become more effective and efficient. The BHCPF 2.0 will serve as a special purpose vehicle to drive the strategic shifts and priority initiatives that will see us moving towards accomplishing our ambitious but achievable goals and objectives.
“Already, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has approved the adoption, design and implementation of a domesticated, context-sensitive sector-wide approach as an innovative, holistic, and coordinated strategy for the improvement of health outcomes,” the minister added.
The NCH had in attendance the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; commissioners for health and their delegates from the 36 states and FCT; development partners, and captains of pharmaceutical companies, amongst
