The Federal Government has committed to boosting domestic health financing to enhance healthcare delivery across Nigeria, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.
Speaking at the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) Third National Health Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, Pate emphasized the critical impact of inadequate funding on the nation’s health sector performance.
“Health sector financing has been inadequate and inefficient for a long time, with significant challenges in mobilizing funds and ensuring financial protection for much of the population,” Pate remarked.
Increased Financing and Strategic Reforms
The minister disclosed that by 2025, domestic health financing at the federal level will see a significant increase. This pledge aims to address persistent issues, including uneven distribution of healthcare professionals, as nearly 40% of registered physicians are concentrated in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Addressing these challenges requires not just policy formulation but effective implementation,” Pate noted. He highlighted that policies succeed when clearly defined problems, viable solutions, and timely opportunities converge, but emphasized that execution remains the greatest challenge.
“Often, the timing and opportunities for implementation are not optimal,” the minister added.
Collaborative Efforts for a Stronger Health Sector
Prof. Pate also lauded the NMA for fostering peace and harmony within the healthcare sector, describing these efforts as essential for building a resilient healthcare system.
“While challenges remain and the country faces difficult times, we believe that with determination, sincerity, and a focus on patient-centered care, we can overcome these issues,” he stated.
A Unified Approach to Health Development
The NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, called for the development of Nigeria’s medical and pharmaceutical ecosystem to locally produce at least 70% of the country’s healthcare needs, including medications and medical equipment.
“To achieve this, we need a sector-wide approach that brings all stakeholders together under a unified framework to drive progress,” Audu said.
This renewed commitment to funding and collaboration signals a promising step towards improving healthcare access, equity, and outcomes for Nigerians.
