The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju has disclosed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system in Nigeria.
Daju stressed that this is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on quality health for Nigerians.
The Permanent Secretary, who is also the Chairman Technical Session (NCH) gave the assurance 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.
She explained that the Council creates a platform for changing the narrative by building a resilient health systems but also re-establish the trust of Nigerians in our health systems.
She said, “After 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.”
According to the Permanent Secretary, the Technical Council meeting is 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).
She noted that sub -themes to move the healthcare system forward include
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.
Daju enjoined participants to collectively work together towards a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Olushola Gbenga lgotun noted that the health of the people determines their strength.
“I believe that the meeting will be decisive in deliberations that will move the country forward.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, 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.
