By Ali Mohammed Zanna (9NEWS NIGERIA, MAIDUGURI)
At a press briefing in Abuja commemorating the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, underscored the urgent need for increased investment in the country’s healthcare system.
Professor Pate called on stakeholders—including federal and state governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector partners—to prioritize health sector funding.
“Good health doesn’t come cheap,” he stated, urging Nigerians to view healthcare spending as a strategic investment with long-term societal and economic benefits.
He emphasized that robust healthcare funding not only improves individual well-being but also strengthens the economy and enhances the overall quality of life in the country.
Challenges and Progress in Healthcare
Addressing systemic challenges, Professor Pate highlighted issues such as inadequate funding and insufficient infrastructure.
“If we truly want to make an impact—whether by increasing health insurance enrollment or upgrading hospitals—investment is essential.
A well-funded healthcare system will empower Nigeria to achieve significant milestones,” he remarked.
Despite these obstacles, the Minister acknowledged notable progress over the past year:
Upgraded Health Facilities: Renovations were completed at 238 health centres, with 320 more currently undergoing improvements.
Health Sector Funding: Over 8,000 healthcare facilities now receive direct financial support to improve service delivery.
Insurance Enrollment: In 2023, over 2 million Nigerians enrolled in health insurance programs, marking a substantial achievement in the journey toward universal health coverage.
However, Professor Pate stressed that much work remains to ensure all Nigerians can access comprehensive healthcare services.
A Call for Collective Action
The Minister reiterated that achieving universal health coverage is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration across all sectors of society.
He urged state governments and private organizations to allocate greater resources to healthcare and to prioritize health-related initiatives.
Professor Pate also appealed to journalists to play a pivotal role by raising public awareness about health financing and the benefits of health insurance in achieving universal health coverage.
“This is a collective mission,” he concluded. “Together, we can ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.”
