The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, has called for stronger collaboration among the three tiers of government to enhance primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
During the National Stakeholders’ Engagement on Accelerating Primary Health Care in Nigeria, Professor Ali Pate emphasized the importance of local government autonomy in strengthening healthcare delivery.
Professor Pate stressed that primary healthcare goes beyond physical structures, requiring coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local governments. “Local governments will now play a greater role, but they cannot do it alone. Standards, funding mechanisms, and technical support must be harmonized to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery,” The minister stated.
Prof Pate commended key stakeholders, including Dr Faisal Shuaib and his team for their contributions to strengthening primary healthcare. He also said the Federal Government’s commitment to the “One Roof” policy, which seeks to streamline healthcare governance for improved service delivery.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving healthcare services across the country. He highlighted significant progress made over the past year, particularly in the Family Health Initiative which is now active in six states. Dr Aina noted that states like Gombe and Ekiti are piloting a financial management tool to enhance accountability and resource allocation in healthcare facilities. He also spoke about the newly launched Community-Based Health Worker Program aimed at revitalizing primary healthcare at the grassroots. He revealed that 842 new health care facilities have been completed, with plans are underway to build additional 3,000. “We must focus on strengthening what we have to ensure efficiency and sustainability, he noted.
The National President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal represented by the Chairman Taraba State ALGON, Alhaji Aminu Jauro Hassan assured stakeholders of the association’s commitment to primary healthcare delivery. Alhaji Aminu who described the event as apt explained that financial autonomy is key to improving healthcare at the grassroots.
In a remark, The Country Director of the World Health Organization, Dr. Walter Molumbo reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support the Federal Government in strengthening healthcare services in Nigeria.
The stakeholders meeting provided a platform for discussions on improving healthcare financing, governance, and service delivery.