Prof. Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, has announced a comprehensive four-point agenda to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the minister outlined his plans, which included collaborating with state governments to enhance regulatory functions in the supply chain.
Another key aspect of Pate’s agenda is the improvement of population health outcomes, with a focus on addressing diseases like diphtheria, measles, vaccine-preventable diseases, and maternal and child health.
Pate emphasized that changing the current healthcare landscape requires collective effort from all Nigerians, not solely the government or healthcare professionals.
He highlighted the need to address maternal deaths and make them more visible by making reporting mandatory.
Pate stressed the importance of prioritizing health spending in Nigeria and ensuring that the money allocated to healthcare is used effectively and efficiently.
Medical industrialization is another area of focus for Pate, as he believes that the value chain of the healthcare sector needs attention.
The final area of Pate’s agenda is health security, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disease outbreaks, epidemics, and humanitarian crises.