Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, has introduced a new health policy strategy in Nigeria that adheres to international standards and aims to improve service delivery across the country. During a media briefing, Ibrahim Anas emphasised the importance of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for health. She highlighted the crucial role of the Federal Government in setting policies, coordinating actions, and aligning practices to advance a cohesive national strategy.
While explaining, she highlighted how the Federal Government plays a crucial role in developing policies, promoting coordination, and enhancing capabilities. They provide guidance and set goals for states to adhere to in order to meet international standards. Their proactive approach can be seen in its initiatives to close gaps within the healthcare industry. The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCF) initiative stands out as a significant program aimed at improving the development of such projects at the state level.
States’ participation is crucial in order to make progress on this path.
In order to achieve the set goal, the government does not engage in direct implementation, but instead allocates resources, such as 1% of the consolidated Revenue fund, to stimulate state initiatives. Their main responsibility is to assist and enable states in fulfilling their healthcare commitments. The active involvement of states is crucial in order to make progress on this path. The coordinated effort between Federal and State Governments is essential for the effectiveness of those care programs across the nation.
Similarly, President Bola Tinubu as well as the state governors, came together last year to sign an agreement focused on enhancing service delivery and promoting the harmonisation of policies at all levels of government. This agreement underscores the collective dedication to advancing healthcare initiatives and ultimately achieving better service outcomes for all Nigerians. One of the key accomplishments of their partnership, as she mentioned, is the considerable rise in resources, with the BHCF being actively employed.
Various resources like financial assistance will be provided.
Also, the federal government is committed to improving state care systems by providing various resources beyond just financial assistance. These resources include technical support, capacity building, and strategic guidance. By prioritizing it, the government aims to fill crucial gaps and support states in strengthening their delivery systems through funding. This effort has led to noticeable improvements in health outcomes in different states, showcasing the positive impact of resource allocation and strategic guidance.
Due to the unified efforts, the states have started to witness positive changes in indicators. This showcases the effectiveness of strategic coordination and mobilisation of resources. Though progress has been made, Dr. Anas emphasised the significance of maintaining collaboration and ensuring that states are fully committed to leading projects. The journey they are on is long and demands the consistent dedication of all parties involved. Their work is continuous and relies on the collective effort of every stakeholder. Achieving the common objective relies on states fulfilling their obligations.
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Moreover, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas is spearheading the new direction for health policy in Nigeria through the Federal Government’s visionary approach. Through collaboration and resource mobilization, they are setting the stage for a care system that meets standards. They are dedicated to enhancing the overall condition of all Nigerians, not just through policies but through concrete actions that will lead to a stronger and healthier nation. Collaboration is essential in their mission to establish a robust care system that will benefit everyone.