During a recent discussion with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) leadership, led by National President Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated the federal government’s commitment to revitalising the healthcare sector and advancing Nigeria toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). His vision reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the various challenges that have hindered the country’s progress toward providing quality healthcare services for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable populations. With this initiative, the sector is set to be transformed.
The meeting featured representation from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who emphasised President Tinubu’s focus on the administration’s tactical initiatives to address the challenges that have hindered the achievement of Universal Health Coverage in the country. Professor Pate detailed various necessary measures underway to revitalise the system. These initiatives involve increasing the educational capacity for medical professionals, streamlining hiring procedures, and designing strategies aimed at keeping talented individuals in the country. Such efforts form a comprehensive plan to tackle the persistent labour shortage in healthcare, which has hampered service effectiveness due to talent emigration.
Quality healthcare for vulnerable citizens will be focused on.
Meanwhile, the departure of medical staff seeking higher pay overseas has been an ongoing issue; however, the government aims to combat this situation by fostering a more supportive atmosphere for healthcare employees to thrive. The Minister emphasised the necessity of enhancing the nation’s healthcare framework. This involves initiatives to improve diagnostic services and Oncology centres, vital in addressing the rising challenge of non-communicable diseases. Nigeria’s medical system has frequently faced difficulties in satisfying the escalating need for treatments, especially in fields like Cancer care, where the disparity between service availability and patient requirements is especially evident.
Also, the government intends to tackle these shortcomings by enhancing the availability of specialised services nationwide. Alongside improving medical facilities, the administration is committed to reinforcing primary healthcare in partnership with state authorities. This strategy acknowledges the essential function of primary healthcare in advancing Public Health and averting illnesses. The government’s initiative to enhance the primary medical system will provide more access to essential health resources for individuals, particularly in marginalised and rural areas, ultimately alleviating pressure on secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions.
NHIA aims to expand affordable healthcare access for all citizens.
An essential aspect of the government’s agenda is expanding access to healthcare for vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and the elderly. Through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIA), efforts are being made to provide affordable healthcare to those most in need. The NHIA is expected to advance UHC by offering financial protection and reducing out-of-pocket expenses that often prevent citizens from seeking timely medical care. The government’s initiatives to reform the medical sector centre on ensuring that all citizens can access affordable and readily available medical services.
Professor Pate conveyed the administration’s gratitude for the commitment shown by medical professionals, who persist in providing essential services amid various obstacles. He noted that although these obstacles are considerable, they can be overcome. The administration believes that with collaborative efforts to enhance medical care services, the industry can be reformulated to serve every citizen better. Also, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, who serves as the President of the NMA, praised the government for its initiatives to enhance the medical care system and offered the Association’s backing for the current reforms. He emphasised the necessity of executing medical policies to improve the standard of care delivered to the community.
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Moreover, the NMA continues to support the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) approved by the Tinubu government. This approach aims to unite different sectors and participants in providing healthcare. This collaboration model promotes a more effective, unified medical care system emphasising patient well-being. Professor Audu emphasised the importance of implementing the new strategies put forth by the existing government. These strategies consist of increasing the training capacity for medical personnel and creating measures to keep the workers from leaving the field. The Association is convinced that effectively carrying out these initiatives will mitigate the ongoing workforce deficits and enhance service provision nationwide.