The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, said the Federal Government would expand the number of functional primary healthcare centres from approximately 1,800 in 2023 to 17,000 by 2027.
‘We are expanding the number of functional primary healthcare centres from approximately 1,800 in 2023 to 17,000 by 2027.
‘Not merely a numerical goal, it is a transformative infrastructure for training, service delivery, and community resilience’, he said.
He made this known while addressing members of the Nigeria Medical Association’s 5th annual delegates meeting and general conference held at the Katsina State Secretariat on Tuesday.
The minister, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital, Suleiman Bello, praised the conference theme ‘Universal Applicability of Care Standards for Patients and the Wellbeing of Healthcare Providers’ and sub-theme ‘Medical Doctors and Politics: The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Shaping Public Policy” as particularly relevant to Nigeria’s current healthcare landscape.
He said, ‘Care standards provide the architecture for consistent, measurable, and accountable service delivery.
‘They define the outcomes we seek, the pathways to achieve them, and the ethics that must underpin every medical encounter’.
The minister revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare inaugurated the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee, a statutory body under the National Health Act tasked with defining and enforcing minimum standards in federal tertiary hospitals.
Pate elaborated on the committee’s comprehensive mandate covering ‘master planning and inspection to accreditation and capacity enhancement’, asserting that ‘without enforceable standards, excellence remains aspirational’.
He also outlined the NHSRII, which he said prioritises universal health coverage through a revitalised primary healthcare system, strengthened human resources, and fairer health financing.
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda on his part urged members of the Nigeria Medical Association to engage in constructive dialogue with government and other stakeholders to drive quality healthcare service.
Radda, while addressing challenges of healthcare facing the state, pledged unwavering support for medical professionals just as he outlined specific interventions his administration has implemented upon his assumption of office in 2023 till date.
He said, ‘I want to take this opportunity to assure you of my government’s commitment to supporting the initiatives of NMA.
‘We recognise the importance of collaboration between the government and medical associations in advancing healthcare delivery in Katsina and across Nigeria.
‘A critical time in our nation’s healthcare landscape’ and “a moment for reflection, discussion, and strategic planning on how to strategise to overcome enormous challenges affecting the association and the health system.
‘The government is improving the healthcare infrastructures for optimum healthcare delivery. This includes upgrading 7 Comprehensive Health Centers to the status of General Hospitals, commissioning of Ultra-Modern 16-bed Dialysis Center, Ultra-modern imaging centre and Diagnostic centre underway, construction of Pharmaceutical production factory, provision of 21 containers of essential hospital equipment, and many more, too numerous to mention here’.
He further noted that his administration’s focus also extends to grassroots healthcare, saying,
‘We have embarked on an upgrade of 170 Primary Health Care Centers to the status of functional PHC in each ward.
‘We shall continue with this until all the 361 wards in the State have 1 fully functional PHC in terms of Personnel, Equipment and Infrastructure and quality services.
‘We have done a lot in Human Resource for Health by approving the commencement of postgraduate Medical Training in the state. Already, accreditation has been given to commence residency training in Family Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology.
‘You are not just the backbone of our healthcare system, you are as well the leaders of tomorrow, the ones who will continue to take our healthcare system to greater heights. Your commitment to excellence in patient care and medical education is highly commendable.
‘I urge all members of NMA to always engage in constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders, advocate for policies that will enhance healthcare delivery and the welfare of its members.
‘Together, we can develop innovative solutions to attract and retain talent in the healthcare sector’.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the chairman, Katsina Chapter of NMA and the Chairman Local Organising Committee, Dr. Muhammad Abubakar, explained that the annual conference provided an opportunity for professionals to reflect on their achievements, deliberate on pressing issues, share knowledge and best practices.
He said, ‘The past few years had presented them with both challenges and opportunities within the healthcare landscape of the nation and in particular Katsina State.
‘As an association and with the support of Governor Radda, we have strived to advocate for an improved remuneration, better working conditions, organise continued medication education, continuing medical health awareness campaigns and engage with relevant governmental agencies’.
