Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju mni has assured that Federal Government is committed to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system in Nigeria in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Permanent Secretary and Chairman Technical Session (NCH) gave the assurance in her keynote address during the Technical Session of the 64th National Council meeting on Health (NCH) with the Theme, ‘Building A Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare System for a Healthy Nigeria’ holding from 13th – 17th November, 2023, in Ado -Ekiti, Ekiti State. This was contained in a statement signed by Deworitshe Patricia, Director Press and Public Relations.
According to her, the meeting is significant as it offers a platform for “laying the foundation for not only changing the narrative by building a resilient health systems but also re-establish the trust of Nigerians in our health systems.”
She stated that in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic, “ we witnessed a profound lesson that transcends borders; every nation must ensure that its healthcare system, possesses resilience to prepare for, recover from and absorb shock”
“This must be done while upholding the core functions of catering to the ongoing and acute healthcare needs of the community with particular focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us.”
She asserted that the meeting in its efforts to make polices to establish an inclusive healthcare system is poised to setting structures to provide equitable access to healthcare services and deliver quality care to all individuals regardless of their background, socio-economic status ethnicity, gender, age or other characteristics to expedite progress towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UCH).
Several sub -themes were identified as critical drivers for the healthcare system, they are as follows:
Strengthening healthcare access and institutional governance as a panacea for attainment of Universal Health Coverage; Building a skilled and motivated workforce; Harnessing evidence- based research and development for better health; Innovative financing for a 21st century Healthcare agenda and Digital transformation and Health information systems.
Recognising the challenges and acknowledging the enormous potential for positive change, the Permanent Secretary enjoined all to collectively work together towards a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
She expressed appreciation on behalf of the Ministers to the Ekiti State Government, Development Partners, State Health Commissioners and Stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and support to prioritising health.
Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Olushola Gbenga lgotun adduced that the health of the people determines their strength adding that “I believe that the meeting will be decisive in deliberations that will move the country forward.”
In his remarks, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative & Head of Mission, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulumbo, represented by Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Khedr, Field Presence Cluster Lead said that “it is an opportunity for WHO and other partners to make contributions and support the government in its implementation” adding that the framework will be implemented across all levels from federal to state levels.
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