In a call to reform Nigeria’s health sector through extensive collaboration, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, noted the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration to tackle issues facing the healthcare sector. He called upon public and private organisations to unite to pursue this shared objective. Speaking at the annual joint review meeting that was part of the sector-wide approach (SWAp) held in Abuja, Dr. Salako emphasised the urgent need for a united approach to enhance the nation’s healthcare system.
As Dr. Salako emphasised, the comprehensive sector approach aims to enhance medical care provision while integrating different fields, such as Education and social services, to fulfil national solid medical objectives. He pointed out that this strategy is essential for realising enduring and sustainable enhancements in the nation’s medical care system, ensuring all individuals have access to high-quality medical care. His speech highlighted the sector’s issues and possible remedies, urging government bodies, private entities, and development partners to align their initiatives toward creating a more robust and resilient medical infrastructure.
Several vital stakeholders gather at the conference.
Also, he emphasised that accountability and thorough tracking are fundamental to this method. Instruments such as the Joint Annual Review (JAR) are vital in evaluating effectiveness in key sectors, including resource distribution, death rates, disease occurrence, and longevity, to monitor advancements in the field. He further detailed that JAR is key to ensuring medical initiatives remain aligned with goals, prioritising enhancements in care quality and patient satisfaction throughout the country. By thoroughly assessing these crucial indicators, the sector can more effectively focus on regions that need immediate intervention and refine approaches that enhance individuals’ medical outcomes.
The annual review meeting convened several stakeholders, such as state governors, health ministers, and representatives from different development agencies. This assembly was a forum to tackle the most pressing challenges in the sector, focusing on the ongoing workforce crisis. Dr. Salako pointed out the lack of qualified personnel as a major barrier to realising Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He urged prompt measures to ensure that the medical care workforce is sufficiently educated, maintained, and effectively utilised to address the nation’s increasing medical demands. The minister emphasised that if this issue of human resources is not addressed, achieving its universal access will remain out of reach.
Dr. Salako emphasised high-quality medical care reform.
Moreover, in support President Bola Tinubu’s aim for an improved medical system in Nigeria, Dr. Salako urged all stakeholders to reaffirm their dedication to UHC. He emphasised the importance of making medical care reachable and affordable while maintaining high standards, particularly for vulnerable people. His call was marked by a pressing need to tackle the sector’s ongoing issues and seek creative strategies that promote enhanced results. Salako emphasised that successful collaboration across various sectors and sufficient investments are essential for progressing the government’s reform initiatives and achieving an inclusive medical care system that caters to everyone.
Furthermore, the event also allowed for a dialogue on the nation’s medical reform goals for the coming years. As reported by Science Nigeria, this three-day event aims to tackle these reform issues, pinpoint actionable solutions to ongoing medical challenges, and establish a foundation for a more efficient structure. By recognising key priorities, participants in the meeting seek to enhance the sector’s effectiveness in tangible ways, such as upgrading facilities and lowering obstacles to accessing care. This renewed commitment to medical reform reflects a broader understanding of wellness as a fundamental driver of economic prosperity and social well-being. In his view, a fitness population is crucial for national development, and ensuring access to medical care is vital to building a more prosperous Nigeria.
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He emphasised that working toward a shared vision of universal medical care requires a collective effort across all sectors. Alongside its reform discussions, the event emphasised addressing the challenges faced by the field workforce. This includes developing strategies to retain professionals and creating policies to attract more skilled workers. With a growing population and increasing demand for medical services, Nigeria faces an acute need for skilled professionals in rural and urban areas. Dr. Salako emphasises the importance of continuous Investment in developing the industry workforce, which aligns with enhancing capacity and ensuring that the healthcare system can adequately meet the nation’s long-term requirements.