By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday also advised developed countries coming to Nigeria to poach medical professionals to consider investment in the sector to keep it afloat.
He also said his administration would prioritize and improve Nigeria’s health sector through massive investments and allocation of increased funds to the sector in the proposed 2024 budget.
The President disclosed this at the unveiling of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the signing of the Health Renewal Compact by Federal, State Governments, and Development Partners at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The event was part of activities marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12.
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Tinubu said Nigeria remains a rallying point for the best brains in the medical profession, a development that has seen him budgeting a substantial sum for the sector in the 2024 appropriations currently before 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 the amazing talents of Nigerian health workers, we’ll 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”, he said.
According to him, “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. The theme for this year ‘Health for All: Time for Action’ encapsulates the urgency and the determination with which we must approach this noble goal.
“Health is not merely the absence of disease but the embodiment of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a fundamental human right and 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.
“Recognising the importance of primary healthcare as the cornerstone of a resilient, integrated healthcare system, my administration is embarking on a massive effort from 2024 to revamp physical infrastructure, equipment, and retraining of frontline health workers, in collaboration with all the that the 36 states. I say again, thank you for your presence, all the governors here today.
“It’s not a political affiliation matter, it’s a commitment to the welfare of our people, working together as one single entity. Nigeria, with knowledge, people, and determination, we will achieve it, we owe our people this, it’s a promise we made; campaigning dancing, ranting, making promises. Here we are. They gave us the mandate, all we pledged, that we will serve them. Now we must deliver.
“Yes, we agree that funding investment in health is the cornerstone of a resilient, integrated healthcare programme, my administration will continue to work with all of you in equipping and retraining frontline healthcare workers.
“Critical to my administration’s goal to provide universal health coverage for Nigerians is our commitment to reduce the financial burden in accessing healthcare, we must help our people. We are currently revitalizing the basic healthcare provision fund to better provide access to essential healthcare services under a fully implemented National Health Care Act.
“We understand the importance of well-trained human resources as valuable in delivering quality care and we are committed to investing in training, retention, and welfare of health professionals to ensure a skilled and motivated workforce”, he said.
To address the high cost of healthcare, the President said the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) will be redesigned to enhance access to essential healthcare services as outlined in the National Health Act (2014).
The President emphasized the coordination and implementation of these initiatives must be non-partisan.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq affirmed the total commitment of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the implementation of the signed Compact towards Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians.
Supported by about 16 governors on the podium, AbdulRazaq said the governors will align with the provisions of the document by domesticating it into practicable and actionable policies and programmes.
According to him, “The NGF secretariat will move to provide support in tracking and implementing the outcomes of this compact. I affirm the commitment of the NGF and to remain steadfast in its determination to make the Universal Health Coverage a reality for every Nigerian.”
