Ehanire Reiterates FG’s Commitment to Achieving Universal Health Coverage for Nigerians
The Minister of Health, Prof. Osagie Ehanire has reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to making sure that most Nigerians have access to healthcare.
The minister remarked on this at the 2022 General Meeting and 2nd Induction Ceremony of the Academy Medicine Specialties of Nigeria held at the Ikeja area of Lagos State.
Addressing the hall of erudite professors and medical researchers, Ehanire mentioned that a lot is still demanded and expected from the academy both in service delivery and research and all the endeavours that can continue to deliver knowledge in the science and art of medicine.
He emphasised: “Nigeria aspires to have a strong health system. A strong health system is defined first and foremost by Universal Health Coverage (UHC): how many people are protected by the health service in your country.
“The president has said on many occasions that he is committed to making sure that most Nigerians have access to healthcare. It is regarded now as a human right that they have access to UHC.”
He also outlined the quality of care, adding that both in the reach and the quality, this academy has a huge role to play. “We are still away from achieving universal health coverage.
Ehanire recounted: “The president has said on many occasions that he is committed to making sure that most Nigerians have access to healthcare. It is regarded now as a human right that they have access to UHC.”
Hence, the minister said they are proposing one functional Primary Healthcare Centre in every ward. “It has been an ongoing task because that is the layer of health care that is lost and easily overlooked.”
He also lamented that “We sometimes forget that right at the bottom is the mass of citizens who are virtually excluded from healthcare.”
Ehanire pointed out that the farmers also have a right to healthcare and who also have a role to play in the productivity of our country.
He further harped on the significance of having one functional primary healthcare centre where the masses can receive medical attention day or night whether it’s delivery, accidents for the population in rural areas, staffed if possible by doctors, and experienced nurses.
The minister emphasised: “We are working on that. We hope that we can continue to get the support of the academy, especially those who are in community health, in driving this very important layer of healthcare delivery in our country.”
While admitting that Nigeria has a long way to go, Ehanire cited the saying a thousand miles. “One step will have to be taken by all of us here today. The government relies on your expertise to help us.”
Earlier, the President of Academy Medicine Specialties of Nigeria, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru made a “passionate plea to the federal government, and all the agencies to foundations, the private sector and wellmeaning philanthropists to help fund our academy”.