Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa with Nigerian physicians in the Americas at the ANPA convention
By Lydia Ajayi
Eko Hot Blog reports that Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has outlined the Nigerian government’s ambitious agenda to transform the healthcare sector.
He outlined the plans while delivering a comprehensive speech at the the Annual Convention of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA).
Addressing the gathering of healthcare professionals, Dr. Alausa emphasized the critical need for reform in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
He cited significant challenges, including funding deficiencies, healthcare professional shortages exacerbated by brain drain, high out-of-pocket expenses, inadequate health insurance coverage, and governance issues.
The minister, however, highlighted the government’s proactive approach, detailing a four-point agenda aimed at addressing these challenges.
The agenda focuses on improving governance structures within the health ecosystem, enhancing health outcomes, unlocking healthcare value, and ensuring health security for all Nigerians.
Under these pillars, Dr. Alausa said the health ministry has undertaken various initiatives over the past year, including doubling enrollment in health-related fields at medical schools and increasing nursing school enrollment from 28,000 to 64,000, with a target of reaching 100,000 next year.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa with Nigerian physicians in the Americas at the ANPA convention
Moreover, the government has initiated strategic reforms such as the national digitalization of Nigeria’s health system, spearheaded by the minister himself.
This initiative aims to streamline healthcare delivery, improve efficiency, and broaden access to medical services across the country.
In addition, efforts to strengthen regulatory agencies have been prioritized to ensure robust oversight and quality healthcare regulation at all levels.
Dr. Alausa also underscored the government’s intensified focus on combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and malaria, reflecting a shift in health priorities towards addressing emerging health challenges in Nigeria.
The minister highlighted significant investments in cancer care infrastructure, including advancements in radiotherapy and other modalities of treatment.
Furthermore, Dr. Alausa announced the establishment of collaborative frameworks with diaspora healthcare professionals through initiatives like the Healthcare Professionals in the Diaspora (HPD) engagement program.
This programmr aims to leverage the expertise and experience of Nigerian health professionals abroad to strengthen the healthcare system domestically, facilitating knowledge transfer and enhancing medical capabilities.
The minister concluded his address by reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Nigerians.
He emphasized ongoing efforts to expand the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and adopt a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) to optimize healthcare funding and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services nationwide.
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