BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has renewed its commitment towards a resilient and inclusive healthcare system in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju disclosed this at the Technical Session of the 64th National Council meeting on Health (NCH) on Monday in Ado -Ekiti, Ekiti State with the theme: “Building A Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare System for a Healthy Nigeria.”
She said that the meeting was significant as it offered a platform to build a resilient health systems and re-establish the trust of Nigerians in the health systems.
Daju hinted that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria witnessed a profound lesson that transcended borders, adding that nations must ensure that its healthcare system, possessed resilience to prepare, recover and absorb shock.
“This must be done while upholding the core functions of catering to the ongoing and acute healthcare needs of the community with particular focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us”, she added.
The permanent secretary noted that the meeting would highlight structures for equitable access to healthcare services regardless of the background, socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender, age or other characteristics that would expedite action towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UCH).
Some of the sub-themes of the meeting were strengthening healthcare access and institutional governance as a panacea for attainment of Universal Health Coverage; building a skilled and motivated workforce; harnessing evidence- based research and development for better health; innovative financing for a 21st century Healthcare agenda, and digital transformation and health information systems.
They were identified as critical drivers for the healthcare system.
Recognising the challenges and acknowledging the enormous potential for positive change, the permanent secretary enjoined all stakeholders to collectively work together towards a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
She appreciated the Ekiti State Government, development partners, state health commissioners and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and support to prioritising health.
The Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Olushola Gbenga lgotun pointed out that the health of the people determined their strength, just as he was optimistic that the meeting would be decisive in deliberations that would move the country forward.
Country Representative & Head of Mission, World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulumbo noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for WHO and other partners to make contributions and support the government in its implementation.
Mulumbo, who was represented by Field Presence Cluster Lead, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Khedr stated that the framework would be implemented across all levels from Federal to State.
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