Amid take-off challenges of the present administration, Nigeria has begun to reap tremendous benefits of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said.
Similarly, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Pate said the federal government would be releasing N50 billion for the Basic Healthcare Fund., a significant increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022.
He also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would in due course, sign an executive order prohibiting the high cost of drugs and pharmaceutical products.
The duo spoke at the ministerial press briefing coordinated by the informational and national orientation ministry for the health and social welfare ministry Wednesday in Abuja.
FG rolls out N50bn healthcare fund
Reiterating the commitment of the federal government towards enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality, Prof Pate underscored the key role of primary healthcare in ensuring the well-being of the citizens.
He said since assuming office, the federal government had prioritised the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities across the nation, and ensuring they were adequately equipped and staffed to provide essential services to communities.
Pate also said his ministry had secured a $1 billion pledge from Afrexim Bank to boost medical industrialization, adding that the long term plan was to reduce dependence on importation of drugs.
The fund, which according to him, was warehoused in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), would be used to expand PHCs nationwide, even as he acknowledged the recruitment of 2,497 medical doctors, nurses, midwives and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to bridge the shortfall in health personnel and enhance provision of quality service delivery.
Speaking on the scorecard of the Tinubu administration in the last nine months in the health sector, the minister said despite the departure of multinational companies from the country, the government was committed to reducing the cost of drugs and pharmaceutical products.
…EO and N50bn healthcare fund
“The rising cost of pharmaceuticals is a pressing concern, and we are taking decisive action to address this issue.
“An Executive Order will soon be issued to curb escalating drug prices in the short term, while our mid to long-term goal involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade.
“In a strategic move to fortify the pharmaceutical infrastructure across the nation, the Federal Government initiated the construction of pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in 21 states in collaboration with Drug Management Agencies.
“Two additional warehouses at the federal level are also underway, complemented by the installation of the Warehousing Management Information System (WMIS) – M Supply, in these 21 pharma-grade warehouses.
“This visionary project commenced in October 2023 and is slated for completion in March 2024, with a scheduled commissioning in April 2024.
“The implementation of WMIS is expected to significantly enhance accountability and transparency, ensuring the potency of public health medicines and other health commodities.
“This infrastructure development aligns with our commitment to improving health outcomes for citizens nationwide. Furthermore, our efforts to promote medical industrialization are gaining momentum.
“Through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, we are unlocking the full potential of our healthcare sector. I am pleased to announce that the Ministry has secured a $1 billion pledge from Afrexim Bank, alongside commitments from foreign partners, to support our endeavors in this regard,” the minister said.
Pate also said the federal government was in the process of securing a $1 billion facility from the Afrexim Bank, along with commitments from foreign partners to boost the nation’s efforts at medical industrialisation.
“The Federal Government will be releasing N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a significant increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022. This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens.
“To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 Doctors, Midwives/Nurses, and CHEWs to bridge the gaps due to attrition. An additional 1,400 health facilities now have Skilled Birth Attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities. This has increased the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month,” he further said.
Continuing, the minister said: “The Federal Government has made substantial strides in expanding health insurance coverage. Recognizing that financial barriers often deter individuals from seeking medical care, we have worked tirelessly to increase the accessibility and affordability of health insurance schemes.
“By supporting enrollment initiatives and streamlining administrative processes, we have extended coverage to millions of Nigerians, safeguarding them against the financial hardships associated with healthcare expenses.
“Since the beginning of this administration, we have enrolled about 750,000 more Nigerians in health insurance. We remain committed to providing access to quality health for all Nigerians through the Vulnerable Group Fund and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).”
While reiterating that access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians is non-negotiable, he said “through robust vaccination campaigns and outreach programs, we have achieved significant strides in sustaining immunization coverage nationwide, safeguarding our communities, particularly our children, from devastating diseases.
“Notably, our swift response to the diphtheria outbreak underscored our commitment to proactive disease control measures, swiftly containing the spread and saving countless lives.
“Since the inception of diphtheria response, over 5 million children have been immunized with the Penta vaccine and 10 million children with Td vaccines.
“In our ongoing efforts to combat the threat of Lassa fever, I am pleased to announce the comprehensive measures taken by the Federal Government to enhance response capabilities and safeguard the health of Nigerians.
“To strengthen our response to Lassa fever outbreaks, the Federal Government has embarked on the distribution of essential response commodities to states and treatment centers across the nation especially in affected states.
“I am delighted to announce the successful coverage of HPV vaccination. Since the launch of the HPV vaccine in October 2023 across 15 states plus the FCT, we have successfully vaccinated more than 4; 95 million eligible girls aged 9-14 years representing 80% of eligible girls.
“The Phase 2 introduction is scheduled for May 2024 in Anambra, Borno, Cross-river, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, Rivers, Oyo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Yobe, Plateau and Zamfara.
“Pre-implementation activities have commenced to ensure a successful Phase 2 introduction of a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat cervical cancer.
“By prioritizing preventive measures and expanding access to life-saving vaccines, we are taking proactive steps to protect the health and well-being of our women and girls, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.”
…On brain drain, infrastructure
On brain drain that hit the sector, the minister said that the poaching of Nigerian medical personnel by foreign countries wasn’t in any way negative, rather a testament that to their global competitiveness, which is consequence of their quality training.
Notwithstanding this, however, he said, “our commitment to enhancing tertiary healthcare services remains steadfast.”
On infrastructure, he said: “Twelve tertiary hospitals/centers have been earmarked for infrastructure development, including the establishment of oncology centers, radiology centers, and diagnostics facilities.
“These investments will enhance our capacity to provide specialized care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of our people.
“In collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, we have taken proactive steps to address the shortage of healthcare professionals.
“By increasing the number of medical students admitted to medical schools, we are boosting the healthcare workforce and laying the groundwork for a healthier future”.
…Immunisation
On immunisation, he said “our commitment to immunization has yielded remarkable results in protecting our population from vaccine-preventable diseases. Through robust vaccination campaigns and outreach programs, we have achieved significant strides in sustaining immunization coverage nationwide, safeguarding our communities, particularly our children, from devastating diseases.
“Notably, our swift response to the diphtheria outbreak underscored our commitment to proactive disease control measures, swiftly containing the spread and saving countless lives. Since the inception of diphtheria response, over 5 million children have been immunized with the Penta vaccine and 10 million children with Td vaccines.
“In our ongoing efforts to combat the threat of Lassa fever, I am pleased to announce the comprehensive measures taken by the Federal Government to enhance response capabilities and safeguard the health of Nigerians.
“To strengthen our response to Lassa fever outbreaks, the Federal Government has embarked on the distribution of essential response commodities to states and treatment centers across the nation especially in affected states. These include Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Ribavirin (injection and tablets), body bags, thermometers, hypochlorite hand sanitizers, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.”
Lassa fever
The minister assured that confirmed cases of Lassa fever were being promptly treated at identified treatment centres across the states. He said the centres were equipped with the necessary medical expertise, facilities, and medications to provide comprehensive care to patients.
“I am delighted to announce the successful coverage of HPV vaccination. Since the launch of the HPV vaccine in October 2023 across 15 states plus the FCT, we have successfully vaccinated more than 4,95million eligible girls aged 9-14 years representing 80% of eligible girls.”
“I am also pleased to announce a significant increase in patient attendance at federal tertiary hospitals, a testament to the improved quality of care and confidence in our healthcare system. Through targeted investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, we will enhance the capacity of these institutions to deliver specialized medical services and handle complex health conditions, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to world-class healthcare when needed,” the minister said.
…Idris on benefits of reforms
In his remarks, the Information and National Orientation Minister, Alhaji Idris, appealed to the media and the citizenry to exercise patience and cooperate with the federal government in the current efforts to transform the economy and stabilise the system.
He said the briefing series “was initiated to provide a platform for public officials to reel out their achievements and equally apprise Nigerians of the challenges of governance.”
The minister said Nigeria was beginning to reap the benefits of the reforms being spearheaded by Tinubu, some of which include the rise in the Gross Domestic Product of 3.46 % in the fourth quarter of 2023 as against 2.54% recorded in the third quarter of 2023.
According to Idris, capital importation also rose to 66% in the fourth quarter of 2023, reversing a 36% decline in the third quarter, just as petrol importation had been reduced by 50% since the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy.
“The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index crossed the 100,000 mark – its highest ever, mainly due to the pragmatic reforms initiated by the President, which inspired investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
“It is also encouraging to state that oil production has risen from 1.22 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2023 to 1.55 million barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2023.
“The President has also given a directive for the design of a Social Security Unemployment Programme to cater for the unemployed graduates.
“This is in addition to the setting up of a Social Consumer Credit Scheme to boost the purchasing power of Nigerians, as they make adjustments in view of the temporary economic hardship.
“As the government rejigs the National Social Investment Programme, the direct payments to N25, 000 to 15 million households will resume immediately,” the minister said.
