“Over the last months, we have made considerable progress implementing the four pillar”- Prof Pate
To mark the one year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in office, the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof Ali Pate has stated some of the significant achievements of the Health Ministry under the Renewed Hope administration.
Prof Ali Pate made these disclosure on Friday in Abuja at the Sectoral Ministerial press briefing.
He said, “Since announcing the health agenda, we have been actively implementing it. Over the last months, we have made considerable progress implementing the four pillars, which I will report on regarding our accomplishments, our future aspirations to build human capital, improve health and well-being of our people, to drive future prosperity in our country.”
In stating the four pillars, the Minister spoke on how a strategic compact has been signed with all the 36 States of the Federation and FCT, endorsed by Mr. President, during the unveiling of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (SWAp) in December 2023.
He said, “For the first time, our development partners signed a Compact governing our joint operations with them.”
Prof. Pate, spoke on how efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework within the sector has began.
“There are 16 professional regulatory bodies and other regulators of pharmaceuticals, such as NAFDAC, pharmaceutical council, medical laboratories, medical and dental council, nursing and midwifery council, and other aspects of the ministry’s stewardship role that we have repositioned and reinvigorated their leadership.
“We have also engaged constructively with health professional associations and unions to foster healthy work environment.”
Concerning the substantive second pillar, the Minister spoke on the efforts been put in place to improve the population health outcomes of Nigerians.
He said, “We outlined a plan to revive 8300 primary health care centers across the nation to make them fully functional and to expand and upgrade to 17,000 Primary Health Care Centers over the next 3-years.”
Prof. Pate, addressed also, the efforts to unlock the healthcare value chain. “The President has emphasized the importance of domesticating production capabilities, to retain economic value, and create jobs for our youth.
“In October, Mr. President approved the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain. Since then, we have made steady progress in policy changes to facilitate this goal.”
The Minister also spoke on how the fourth pillar of the agenda focuses on health security.
“The new Director-General of the Center for Disease Control (NCDC) is playing a pivotal role in this area.
“There is a lot more to say, but let me end by appreciating the President’s leadership, close collaboration with all my Cabinet colleagues, Chief Executives, and Civil Servants in the Ministry, Development Partners, Private Sector, Civil Society and all Nigerians for their trust in the Nigeria Health Sectoral Renewal Investment Initiative.”
