By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, was part of the 3rd National Health Summit on “𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭” held in Abuja.
It was organized by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) under the leadership of 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐮, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, the summit provided a vital platform to reflect on the progress that have been made, the challenges ahead, and the partnerships driving the shared vision of a stronger and more equitable healthcare system for all Nigerians.
While the healthcare system has demonstrated strengths, critical gaps remain.
Maternal mortality and outbreaks like diphtheria highlight inequities in care and vaccination coverage, while affordability continues to be a major barrier for many Nigerians.
Public perception surveys show growing confidence in the sector, a testament to ongoing reforms, yet hurdles such as fragmented governance, uneven healthcare worker distribution, and financing constraints still hinder the system’s full potential.
Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, bold reforms initiated are actively addressing these issues.
Through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (#NHSRII), over 1,000 primary healthcare centers now receive direct funding through the revitalized Basic Health Care Provision Fund #BHCPF2.0, ensuring resources reach facilities and communities most in need.
Emergency obstetric care has been expanded, with 30 hospitals offering prequalified emergency obstetrics services, including free cesarean sections and fistula repair surgeries, breaking down financial barriers that too often lead to preventable tragedies.
The government is advancing infrastructure development at an unprecedented pace.
Six cancer centers and eight diagnostic facilities are under construction, with three set to open by May 2025. Solarization of critical hospital units and the installation of oxygen plants in 44 tertiary hospitals are further strengthening care delivery.
To address human resource shortages, training quotas for medical professionals have doubled, and 43,000 frontline health workers have already been retrained, advancing toward the target of 120,000 by 2027.
The Health Workforce Migration Policy is improving working conditions to ensure the retention and better distribution of healthcare professionals.
These reforms are fostering greater alignment and accountability, while the historic Compact signed with all 36 governors at the NGF Secretariat, the FCT Minister, and development partners exemplifies a unified commitment to shared priorities.
This collaboration has enabled the mobilization of over $1 billion through the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, boosting local production of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs.
The partnership with NMA leadership and development partners has been pivotal to these successes. Their dedication and collaborative spirit reflect the unity of purpose necessary to achieve sustainable progress in healthcare delivery.
These achievements, driven by President Tinubu’s leadership, underscores collective resolve to save lives, reduce suffering, and ensure equitable access to quality care for all Nigerians.
While challenges remain, the progress made within just one year is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when well-crafted policies are paired with decisive action.
Together, the FG is building a resilient healthcare system that will stand as a cornerstone of national development for generations to come, as contained in a statement by Yazid Inuwa MK Bauchi, DG, North-East Coalition of Tinubu Shettima Support Groups.
