FG reaffirms commitment to universal health coverage

The Federal Government on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Universal Health Coverage through reforms focused on equity, resilience and innovation.

The Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, stated this at the 66th meeting of the National Council on Health in Calabar, Cross River State, themed “My health, my right: Accelerating universal health coverage through equity, resilience, and innovation.”

The National Council on Health is a high-level governance body responsible for formulating, coordinating, and implementing health policies and programs in Nigeria.

It is a focal institution in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. It serves as a platform for cooperation and decision-making among stakeholders in the healthcare sector, bringing together key players from the Federal and State levels of government, as well as development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

The NCH is chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the Commissioners of Health from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The council meets regularly to discuss and review various health issues, progress, and make decisions that advance the direction of healthcare in the country.

Declaring the Technical Session open, Kachollom, who is also the chair of the Technical Session of the 66th NCH, announced that the government is intensifying action on primary healthcare strengthening, supply chain reforms, improved accountability systems, and enhanced data for decision-making.

According to her, the ministry is consolidating reforms across primary healthcare, supply chain management and human resources for health, including the recently approved Health Workforce Migration Policy.

“This theme is timely and compelling. It challenges us to put the Nigerian citizen at the centre of every decision we make, ensuring that policies, plans, and programmes truly advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The conversations we begin today will strengthen the foundations of a resilient health system, and more importantly, rebuild public trust in the services we provide.

“In line with our mandate, the Ministry continues to consolidate reforms across primary healthcare, supply chain management, and human resources for health, including the recently approved Health Workforce Migration Policy.

We are also strengthening institutional coordination, improving accountability mechanisms, and enhancing the data systems required for evidence-based decision-making.”

She added that the Federal Government is also strengthening institutional coordination, improving accountability mechanisms, and enhancing the data systems required for evidence-based decision-making.

“The comprehensive agenda before this 66th Council underscores our commitment to building a resilient, efficient, and inclusive health system. We fully recognise the challenges ahead; yet we are equally confident in our collective ability to drive meaningful change. I encourage us to bring innovation, dedication, and collaboration to our deliberations as we work towards a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.

“I wish to express profound appreciation to the Government of Cross River State for graciously hosting this meeting. We recognise the competing demands on state resources, and we deeply value the commitment demonstrated by opening your doors to the national health family. I also acknowledge the Honourable Commissioner for Health, the State Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and all who have contributed to making this meeting possible.

“My gratitude also goes to the Heads of Departments and Directors of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; the leadership and staff of the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics (DHPRS) for its effective coordination of the NCH Secretariat; the Programme Sub-Committee and Rapporteurs for their technical support; the Local Organising Committees for their tireless efforts; and our Development Partners for their unwavering collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health system.”

She further urged the technical committee members to uphold excellence in evaluating memoranda; she said their work must ensure recommendations that are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with national priorities and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2023–2027.

Concluding her remarks, she declared, “On this note, I formally declare open the Technical Session of the 66th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Health.

In his welcome address, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, underscored the inclusive and collective role of all professionals in strengthening Nigeria’s health system.

Emphasising that health is everyone’s business, he said, “This session of the NCH should inch us closer to Universal Health Coverage.

“The 66th NCH has implications on Universal Health Coverage with significant implications primarily for improving health outcomes, reducing financial hardship from medical costs, and promoting equity and human rights. The 66th NCH should ensure policy inputs that ensure everyone can access quality health services without financial barriers, contributing to a healthier population, stronger global health security, and economic development by preventing poverty caused by healthcare expenses.

“Our expectation from this meeting, among others, is that this technical session should additionally develop and propose memos that will enhance the attainment of UHC, which will not depend on financial access but also on the availability of a sufficient and well-distributed workforce, quality medicines, and functional infrastructure,” he added.