The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has disclosed that the Federal Government will increase domestic health financing to improve healthcare delivery.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the Nigerian Medical Association’s Third National Health Summit, Pate said inadequate funding had negatively impacted Nigeria’s health sector’s performance.
“Health sector financing has been inadequate and inefficient for a long time, with significant challenges in mobilizing funds and ensuring financial protection for much of the population,” the minister said.
He, however, disclosed that by 2025, domestic health financing at the federal level would increase.
The minister stated the issue of uneven distribution of healthcare professionals, noting that nearly 40% of registered physicians are concentrated in the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos.
“Addressing these challenges requires not just policy formulation but effective implementation,” he said.
The minister explained that policies work when a clearly identified problem, solution and the opportunity align.
“The real challenge lies in executing them effectively. Often, the timing and opportunities for implementation are not optimal,” Pate said.
The minister also commended the NMA for fostering peace and harmony in the sector, which he described as essential for building a robust healthcare system.
“While challenges remain and the country faces difficult times, we believe that with determination, sincerity, and a focus on patient-centred care, we can overcome these issues,” he said.
On his part, the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, stressed the need to develop Nigeria’s medical and pharmaceutical ecosystem to produce at least 70 percent of the country’s healthcare requirements, including medications and equipment.
“To achieve this, we need a sector-wide approach that brings all stakeholders together under a unified framework to drive progress,” he added.
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWS
