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The Federal Government has decried inequality in care and vaccine coverage across the country leading to the cases of maternal mortality and some disease outbreaks.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the healthcare system has demonstrated strengths in combating health challenges but critical gaps remain that must be closed.
Ali Pate stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the 3rd National Health Summit on ‘Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: Translating Policies to Impact’ in Abuja.
The event was organized by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) under the leadership of Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu.
He noted that the summit provided a vital platform to reflect on the progress made, the challenges ahead, and the partnerships driving the shared vision of a stronger, more equitable healthcare system for all Nigerians.
“While our healthcare system has demonstrated strengths, critical gaps remain. Maternal mortality and outbreaks like diphtheria highlight inequities in care and vaccination coverage, while affordability continues to be a major barrier for many Nigerians.
“Public perception surveys show growing confidence in the sector, a testament to ongoing reforms, yet hurdles such as fragmented governance, uneven healthcare worker distribution, and financing constraints still hinder the system’s full potential,” he said.
He emphasized that the policies of President Bola Tinubu‘s administration in the health sector have started yielding fruits.
He highlighted direct funding of 1000 primary healthcare centers across the country. He explained that to address human resource shortages training quotas for medical professionals have increased, adding that six cancer centers and eight diagnostic facilities are under construction across the country.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the bold reforms we have initiated are actively addressing these issues. Through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, over 1,000 primary healthcare centers now receive direct funding through the revitalized Basic Health Care Provision Fund, ensuring resources reach facilities and communities most in need. Emergency obstetric care has been expanded, with 30 hospitals offering prequalified emergency obstetrics services, including free cesarean sections and fistula repair surgeries, breaking down financial barriers that too often lead to preventable tragedies.
“We are advancing infrastructure development at an unprecedented pace. Six cancer centers and eight diagnostic facilities are under construction, with three set to open by May 2025. Solarization of critical hospital units and the installation of oxygen plants in 44 tertiary hospitals are further strengthening care delivery.
“To address human resource shortages, training quotas for medical professionals have doubled, and 43,000 frontline health workers have already been retrained, advancing toward the target of 120,000 by 2027. The Health Workforce Migration Policy is improving working conditions to ensure the retention and better distribution of healthcare professionals.
“Our governance reforms are fostering greater alignment and accountability, while the historic Compact signed with all 36 governors, the FCT Minister, and development partners exemplify a unified commitment to shared priorities.
“This collaboration has enabled the mobilization of over $1 billion through the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, boosting local production of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs,” Pate stated.
The Minister of Health commended NMA for the summit. He stated that results recorded by the government in the health sector would not have been possible without partnership with the body and other development partners.
Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the nation.
“The partnership with NMA leadership and our development partners has been pivotal to these successes. Their dedication and collaborative spirit reflect the unity of purpose necessary to achieve sustainable progress in healthcare delivery.
“These achievements, driven by President Tinubu’s leadership, underscore our collective resolve to save lives, reduce suffering, and ensure equitable access to quality care for all Nigerians. While challenges remain, the progress made within just one year is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when well-crafted policies are paired with decisive action. Together, we are building a resilient healthcare system that will stand as a cornerstone of national development for generations to come,” he added.
