In a significant development, the National Economic Council has given the green light for a major overhaul of 17,000 primary and 774 secondary healthcare centers across Nigeria.
This decision comes in response to identified funding gaps and a concerning decline in healthcare metrics, as highlighted in a presentation by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, shared insights into the government’s strategy following the 137th National Economic Council meeting.
The comprehensive plan aims to bring healthcare closer to the majority of Nigerians by revitalizing primary and secondary healthcare facilities. Governor Mohammed emphasized the need for synergy among stakeholders for lasting reforms.
Funding sources were discussed, with suggestions including taxes from communication and airlines, along with state government taxes.
Governor Mohammed addressed the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, stressing the importance of retaining local talent.
The Governor revealed upcoming plans for a compact agreement with the World Health Organization on December 15, 2023, involving all governors signing a service compact.
He urged Nigerian healthcare professionals to be patriotic and highlighted efforts to create conditions for their retention.
Plans to address regulatory hurdles and increase the training of healthcare professionals were also outlined, with a focus on producing more doctors and encouraging them to stay within the country.
The overall vision is to bolster the healthcare sector and encourage patriotism among medical professionals.
