Nigeria’s health sector records progress in governance, workforce training – Pate

The Federal Government says the country is making notable strides in its health sector, particularly in improving governance and the capacity of its frontline health workers.

This comes under President Bola Tinubu’s health initiative, which was unveiled in December 2023.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said this on Friday in Abuja, during a ministerial oversight committee for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), quarterly meeting.

Pate highlighted the ongoing collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, along with development partners and civil society, to ensure the successful implementation of the BHCPF.

“We are seeing execution proceeding and governance improving collectively, ensuring that funding flows efficiently to the frontlines,” he said.

Pate said that the initiative included significant reforms aimed at enhancing healthcare service delivery across the country.

According to him, 40,000 frontline health workers have already been re-trained as part of a larger effort to upskill 120,000 health professionals.

He said that this was part of the government’s drive to ensure that healthcare workers at primary healthcare centres were better equipped to serve their communities.

“The ministry of health’s digital health initiative has also been playing a key role in ensuring accountability, with digital tools being used to track financial flows to health facilities.

“We are working to ensure that frontline workers are empowered with the tools and training they need to provide quality care,” he said.

He said that Tinubu’s leadership as the African Union’s champion on human resources for health was an indication that Nigeria’s efforts align with broader continental goals.

“These are difficult, complex challenges, but we are making progress in improving population health outcomes for all Nigerians,” he said.

The minister said that there was already progress in governance and accountability, which will translate into improved health outcomes across the country.

He said that the focus on improving governance, ensuring transparency in funding, and enhancing the skills of healthcare workers signalled a promising path towards better health outcomes for all citizens.

“With ongoing efforts, the country is positioned to strengthen its healthcare system under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership,” he said.