FG begins reforms, trains 60,000 frontline health workers
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has announced that over 60,000 frontline health workers have undergone retraining as part of the Federal Government's initiative to reform the health sector.
He emphasized that in addition to the training of health workers, various other initiatives are being implemented to enhance service delivery nationwide.
According to him, Nigeria's health sector is experiencing a significant transformation.
The minister made these remarks during the Health Development Partner Retreat held on Wednesday in Abuja, attributing this transformation to an unprecedented level of collaboration among the federal government, state governors, and development partners.
He elaborated that this transformation is being propelled by the Health Sector Compact, which was signed in December 2023. The compact aims to eliminate the fragmentation of healthcare policies and establish a cohesive and sustainable system.
He stated that the agreement has united all key stakeholders, including the federal government, all 36 state governors, and 17 development partners.
“This initiative ensures that no state, institution, or funding source operates in isolation any longer,” he remarked.
The minister highlighted that a primary focus of the Health Compact is to strengthen the foundation of Nigeria's healthcare system, particularly the Primary Health Care services.
“Retraining 60,000 frontline health workers is a significant step towards developing a skilled health workforce.
“Increased funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund has improved the functionality of numerous Primary Health Care facilities.
“The National Health Insurance Authority is now providing coverage for emergency maternal complications, ensuring that thousands of women receive essential care, including free fistula repairs.
“These measures are addressing longstanding challenges, particularly in maternal and child health, which remain critical issues in Nigeria,” he stated.
To achieve financial sustainability, Pate indicated that Nigeria is prioritizing domestic financing, blended funding models, and partnerships with the private sector.
"This is demonstrated by the government's dedication to decreasing dependence on pharmaceutical imports:
"Local manufacturing of essential medications, such as Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid, has commenced.
"Investment proposals have been formulated to encourage private sector involvement, with seven currently at the term sheet phase.
"Enhanced regulatory oversight by NAFDAC is guaranteeing that domestically produced medicines comply with international standards," he stated.
The minister noted that this Sector-Wide Approach is already shaping critical policy decisions, resource distribution, and healthcare delivery throughout the nation.
"The Health Compact offers a structured framework that synchronizes the efforts of federal, state, and local governments with international donor assistance and private sector investment.
"This ensures that healthcare funding is no longer fragmented, resulting in improved coordination and better health outcomes," he explained.
He mentioned that nearly all 36 states have officially shown interest in participating, representing a significant shift from previous health policies that did not fully engage state-level involvement.
He added that this commitment is evident in the increasing number of state-level SWAp desk officers who are now spearheading implementation efforts on the ground.
"Furthermore, the inaugural joint annual health sector review has been conducted, ensuring that progress is monitored and aligned across all government levels," he concluded.
