Bola Tinubu has revealed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing and enhancing Nigeria’s health sector through substantial investments and an increased allocation of funds in the proposed 2024 budget.
Addressing the nation at the unveiling of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu urged health professionals currently practicing abroad to consider returning home and contributing to the nation’s healthcare system.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of health as a fundamental human right and announced comprehensive plans for the revitalization of physical infrastructure, procurement of modern equipment, and the re-training of frontline health workers, all slated to commence in 2024.
In his plea, Tinubu also called on countries recruiting Nigerian health workers to take into account the interests of Nigeria, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals to remain and serve the local population.
“Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Care Coverage is reflected in the unwavering dedication of my administration to uphold this right for every individual, young or old, in rural or urban areas,” Tinubu said.
The event held on Tuesday was a component of the activities commemorating Universal Health Coverage Day, an annual observance that takes place on December 12th.
The Health Renewal Compact was signed by federal and state governments, along with development partners.
Tinubu said, “Delivering improved quality health is an underpinning factor in my promise of Renewed Hope to Nigerians. That hope is ignited here today with the support of all multilateral partners and agencies; health is back on the front burner.
“This occasion marks an opportunity for collective reflection and action as we recommit ourselves to the noble pursuit of health for all.”
To tackle the exorbitant expenses associated with healthcare, Tinubu has unveiled proposals to revamp the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, aiming to improve accessibility to vital healthcare services as stipulated in the National Health Act (2014).
Tinubu proudly declared Nigeria a hub for top-tier medical professionals, leading his administration to allocate a significant budgetary allocation to the healthcare sector in the 2024 budget presently under consideration by the National Assembly.
“We encourage those Nigerian health professionals in the Diaspora, just like Professor Ali Pate and Tunji Alausa have done, to sacrifice their time to come back home and serve their people. Consider your contributions here at home, as we say, ‘Charity begins at home’.
“For the developed countries who benefited from amazing talents of Nigerian health workers, we’ll really encourage them to consider how to support the expansion of training facilities in Nigeria to replace those that they have recruited from here. You should also look at the short and long-term opportunities that we offer.
“Yes, we have a vibrant, well-educated society, but we need Nigeria to rise on one side with climate change and drop the health system to decay. We will rise.”
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, elucidated several key policy actions in the health sector, emphasizing the redesign of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as the foundational basis for a comprehensive sector-wide approach.
As a result, the BHCPF, constituting at least one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, is anticipated to secure a minimum of $2.5 billion in both pooled and non-pooled financing between 2024 and 2026. This funding aims to enhance the nationwide primary health system.
Pate reiterated the administration’s plan to double the number of fully operational Primary Healthcare Centres from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027, spanning all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Moreover, these Primary Healthcare Centres will be interconnected with a comprehensive emergency care system.