According to Prof Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, many Nigerians frequently use Public Health facilities, as affordability concerns often prevent them from seeking medical treatment. During the fifth legislative summit on health in Abuja, they focused on “Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage”. In December 2023, he announced the Health Sector Renewal Investment to tackle various issues within the medical industry. The results of a thorough study involving 2,500 Nigerian individuals revealed that the medical care system is falling short in quality, as the minister stated after analysing their expectations, experiences, and concerns in this area.
As the population ages, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancers are on the rise, alongside persistent traditional medical issues like maternal and child well-being and infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. He pointed out various limitations in the medical sector, such as insufficient funding, fragmentation, and a shortage of resources and manpower. On average, each person receives about $13-14 in public medical funding, making up a total expenditure of $85, most of which comes from individuals’ pockets.
The initiative aims to improve medical care and unite stakeholders.
This amount is deemed inadequate, especially compared to Ethiopia and Bangladesh, where similar or even lower spending yields better wellness results. The national medical system’s lack of cohesion is evident due to the significant fragmentation between federal, state, and local levels, with each entity operating autonomously. According to him, many primary medical care centres and hospitals suffer from inadequate funding and a shortage of necessary supplies and qualified staff. The initiative was created in response to the challenges highlighted by the minister. He further emphasised that the program focuses on enhancing governance, improving medical outcomes for the population, retaining medical professionals, streamlining the medical care value chain, and ensuring medical security.
To successfully achieve its objectives, the initiative requires collaboration and unity at the federal, state, and local levels. Focusing on improving medical care can bring people together regardless of Politics or location. This investment in well-being will result in meaningful benefits for the country’s Security and overall wellness. Collaboration among federal and state governments, the National Assembly, the private sector, and Civil Society is essential in meeting medical care needs and gaining more political and financial backing. This unified effort can improve Nigerians’ wellness, strengthen national security, and promote unity.
Urgent action is required to enhance the country’s medical care system.
During her opening speech, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, recognised the concerning state of the country’s medical progress. She emphasised the need for immediate action to improve deficiencies within the care system. She emphasised that promoting collaboration, open communication, and knowledge exchange is key to enhancing all Nigerians’ healthcare and quality of life. She added that every region in the country must be included in these efforts. In addition, she pushed for sufficient financial support and long-lasting collaborations to improve the clarity and effectiveness of the initiative.
She emphasised the importance of everyone involved in the medical sector adhering to principles of accountability and transparency to establish a sustainable program in the country. Additionally, Dr. Walter Mulombo, the country’s representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), praised the nation’s dedication to achieving the initiative and investing in the renewal of the medical sector. Mutombo emphasised the significance of this summit in the nation’s history, highlighting the transformative changes taking place in the sector to enhance its effectiveness in benefiting the population, particularly in alleviating Poverty and encouraging economic growth.
Related Article: World Bank ranks Nigeria health coverage low
Lastly, he stated that UHC is a governmental promise that necessitates nations to guarantee that all individuals can obtain necessary services that enhance, prevent, treat, and rehabilitate at a reasonable price without experiencing financial difficulties related to medical expenses. Also, during his speech at the event, Dr. Stanley Ukpai, the Director of Projects at the Development Research and Projects Centre, emphasised the importance of boosting funding in the nation’s medical care industry. He also emphasised the importance of civil society organisations and legislative involvement in working together to improve care services in the nation. He further emphasised their dedication to supporting the country’s efforts to achieve the initiative.