The Federal Government has assured that Nigeria is on track towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. Ensuring UHC by 2030 is one of the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, yesterday, at the 64th session of the National Council on Health (NCH) in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, said the health of Nigerians was not just a matter of well-being but also a fundamental human right.
“It is a measure of our commitment to equity, justice and the dignity of every individual. Achieving UHC is not a choice; it is an obligation, a promise to provide quality healthcare to all regardless of their socio-economic status”, Pate said.
Pate said that UHC was the embodiment of the vision for a healthier and more prosperous nation and a strategic advantage for Nigeria as a nation, adding that though great progress had been made over the years, the pace has not been commensurate with the investments and the complexities of the country’s health system. Pate said the government has realised that a lot of the determinants of health are outside the direct control of the health sector.
According to him, that is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to have a coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to put in place the necessary structure and framework to effectively and efficiently coordinate efforts to address the wider determinants of health. Pate said effective governance was the bedrock upon which UHC stands.
“Our government must be transparent, accountable and responsive to the healthcare needs of its citizens. We need to create and enforce policies that prioritise health and well-being supportive of public/private sectors. However, governance doesn’t stop at policies. We must also establish a regulatory framework that ensures the highest quality standards in healthcare and safeguards against corruption. An accountable healthcare system responsive to our citizens is the only way we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, receives the care they deserve.
“Achieving UHC requires us to ensure that our healthcare resources are allocated effectively. We need to invest in preventative care, primary healthcare and essential services that reach the most vulnerable among us. Efficiency also means reducing waste, improving resource management and embracing modern technology to streamline healthcare delivery. Our healthcare system should be robust and responsive, meeting the unique needs of each community it serves”, Pate said.
