The Federal Government disclosed that it will join states to sign pact with health development partners to drive initiatives towards attainment of the Universal Health Coverage(UHC) across Nigeria
The Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Development, Prof. Ali Pate, speaking at a pre- event press briefing in Abuja, to inform and educate the media about the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and its significance in achieving UHC for Nigeria, also reiterated that the president was determined to deliver equitable and optimal health outcomes for citizens.
Universal Health Coverage(UHC) Day, is marked every December 12 ,to emphasized the need for a healthcare system that provides equitable and good health care along with financial protection to everyone.
Pate also disclosed that federal government is determined to make available at least 17,000 functional primary healthcare centres across the country
Pate said, President Bola TinubU -led federal government was committed to attainment of the Universal Coverage.
Speaking further at the event held to enlighten the media on Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, NHSRII, and its significance in achieving UHC for the country, the minister explained that the emphasis on reaching from 8,000 to more than 17,000 primary health care centres showed the government’s avowed determination to fulfil its vision for improved access to basic health care in the country.
“The need to achieve UHC and better health for all Nigerians requires a multisector, whole-of-government approach.”
“Further to this the Government of Nigeria has articulated NHSRII to advance the nation’s journey towards UHC, the Initiative comprises the Basic Healthcare Provision SWAp and the Nigeria healthcare industrialization programme.”
”The commitment to expanding the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and increasing the number of primary health care centers, aligning with the National Health Act’s objectives.
“The comprehensive strategy outlined involves assessing existing facilities, improving infrastructure, ensuring a sufficient health workforce, and actively engaging local communities for feedback.
“The challenge of functionality in existing wards is acknowledged, and the commitment to addressing these concerns is evident in the strategy being implemented.”
Also speaking, Dr Muyi Aina,
Also, the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina explained that strengthening the primary healthcare was a crucial step towards building a sustainable healthcare system that can effectively respond to the healthcare needs of the population.
He said that the NHSRII is a policy framework that will guide the renewal of the heath system.
Aina acknowledged the challenges facing PHCs in the country.
“We have over 30,000 primary health centers, but many of them have some challeneges that make it difficult for them to guarantee quality services.
“We will really be addressing those challenges as quickly as we can. Right now, we have about 8,000 PHCs that are funded directly by the federal government through the state government.”
“Many of these facilities are doing what they can, but they need more to be able to meet the criteria for fully functional services. They need to be able to open for 24 hours, have the compliment of health workers and also have the commodities and infrastructures that they need.”
“What we are going to really be doing over the next 4 years is very quickly just taking them and supporting them to get to that level,” He said.
“Once we have one functional facility per ward as it’s been the policy of the government, we’re also then going to be rapidly expanding to double the number from 8,000 to about 17,000 that are receiving this decentralized financing,” Aina added.
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