Nov. 16, 2023
…Outlines blueprint for resilient, inclusive healthcare system
The Federal Government has disclosed plans to redesign the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency in driving strategic shifts and priority initiatives.
Presenting a blueprint for building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system in Nigeria at the 64th Session of the National Council on Health (NCH) on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasised the need for effective governance, efficient and equitable health systems, unlocking value chains, and ensuring health security.
He said that the blueprint outlines strategic shifts and priority initiatives to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improve health outcomes in the country.
The NCH, an apex policymaking body in the Nigerian health sector, annually convenes leaders such as Permanent Secretaries, Commissioners of Health, Heads of Parastatals, and Directors to discuss health-related issues.
The theme for this year’s meeting is “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare System for a Healthy Nigeria.”
Experts believe it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and underscores the significance of a robust healthcare system.
Pate also highlighted the need for collaboration and coordination among stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
The Minister stressed the importance of effective governance in ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to healthcare needs and the need for policies that prioritise health and well-being, as well as a regulatory framework to ensure quality standards and prevent corruption.
According to Pate, “Efficiency, equity, and quality were identified as pillars for achieving UHC.”
Highlighting the need to address quality across the continuum of healthcare, he said “Unlocking value chains in the healthcare sector through fostering innovation, collaboration, and coordination among healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and technology developers.
Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, he underscored the significance of health security.
Experts say the NCH is building on a transition from paper to electronic-based meetings, an innovation that started in 2019.
The meeting proceeded with the consideration of the following;
* Adoption of the Proceedings (Minutes) of the 63rd Regular NCH meeting as amended by the Technical Committee (NCH/64/001).
Recommended memoranda to the council, have been grouped according to all memoranda for the 64th NCH, which have been grouped according to the theme and five sub-themes.
The memoranda were extensively discussed by the Technical Committee and a Summary of all the recommendations of the Technical Committee was produced and it will serve as a working paper.
The Council, however, is at liberty to review and approve or not approve the recommendations from the Technical Committee. (NAN)
