The Secretary to the government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume has disclosed that President Ahmed Tinubu inherited health sector that was faced with persistent challenges including stagnation in key health indicators and and even in the area of regression.
He made the disclosure while speaking as special guest during the strategic health submit held in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said ” President dedication to prioritizing health predates his election and assumption of office.
During the campaign period, the Health Transformation Coalition (HTC) of Nigeria, an initiative endorsed by Mr. President, was established to raise awareness about the crucial role of health in national development. Through extensive engagements
“with stakeholders, the coalition developed far-reaching recommendations aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigerians to ensure the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), where no one is left behind.
“Upon assumption of office, Mr. President inherited a health sector that had faced persistent challenges, including stagnation in key health indicators and, in some areas, even regression.
“His swift interventions left no doubt about the sincerity of his commitment to transforming healthcare in Nigeria. Recognizing the need for expert-driven policy direction, he leveraged the foundational work of the Health Transformation Coalition by approving the establishment of the Health Subcommittee within the Presidential Advisory Council, led by Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, who now serves as Special Adviser on Health.
According to him the appointment of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate as Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare marked another milestone, expanding the Minister’s portfolio to integrate social welfare with healthcare as a critical panacea for development.
These appointments reflect Mr. President’s recognition of healthcare as a fundamental driver of national development and his commitment to ensuring that the sector receives the highest level of attention.
“Other deliberate and bold interventions of Mr. President to power the health sector include the establishment of the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking Value Chain (PVAC) in the health sector.
This aimed to improve local manufacturing of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare technologies, foster research and innovation, and integrate research and development, manufacturing, distribution, healthcare delivery, and financing among others. To facilitate the work of the PVAC, Mr. President also signed an executive order that introduced zero tariffs, excise duties, and VAT on specified machinery, equipment, and raw materials, aiming to create enabling environment, to reduce production costs and enhance our local manufacturers’ competitiveness.
“Directly demonstrating his concern for indigent persons, women, children, adolescents, the senior citizens (elderly persons) and people with disabilities, Mr. President also expanded the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, with an additional focus on providing financial risk protection for vulnerable populations.
He noted that the persistent trend of outward medical tourism coupled with the massive emigration of healthcare workers has greatly limited the capacity of Nigeria’s health system to deliver the needed services for the people.
The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration was approved by President Tinubu to curb the “japa” syndrome.
In addition, in February 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the immediate upgrade of 16 health facilities across Nigeria, as well as the establishment of six centers of excellence for cancer care – these are giant strides towards reducing outward medical tourism and attracting in-ward medical tourism.
“The innovation and new approaches deployed by the Coordinating Minister Ali Pate to ensure the successful implementation of Mr. President’s vision and priorities deserve praise and commendation.”
Speaking on the summit the SGF explained that as we approach the midpoint of this administration’s first term, this Summit provides a timely opportunity to assess the progress made so far, identify existing gaps, and realign strategies to ensure that the vision for a transformed health sector remains on course. Beyond evaluation, this gathering serves as a platform to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and strengthen partnerships among stakeholders, fostering a more resilient and equitable healthcare system in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas emphasized that the Presidential Advisory Council’s Health Subcommittee reviewed several existing policies and strategies, conducted interviews with key stakeholders, and also considered the health sector reform report created by the Presidential Health Sector Reform Committee (PHSRC) to address some lapses in the health sector.
She stressed that the Renewed Hope Health agenda is premised on the concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as its primary objective; and considering health as an investment, the agenda envisions how through health, new jobs can be created, and how a vibrant healthy population can bring greater economic and social development to the Nigerian people.
“As a strategic approach, the Renewed Hope Health Agenda focuses on reduction of Neonatal Mortality Rate from 38/1,000 Live Births by 40%,
Infant Mortality Rate from 67/1,000 Live Births by 40%, Under-5 Mortality Rate from 132/1,000 Live Births by 25%.
“Increase social health insurance to an additional 50 million Nigerians using a national health insurance approach with a pro-poor public financing initiative and
Increase health supply side accreditation and reaccreditation to at least 2PHCs/ward, 1 SHF/LGA, and at least one fully equipped and staffed tertiary health facility per senatorial district in each state.”
