Tinubu’s administration’ll touch every Nigerians to attain Universal Health Coverage – Pate

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate has said that President Bola Tinubu led administration would ensure that no one is left behind in the attainment of universal health coverage.

Pate stated this to commemorate the Universal Health Coverage Day in Abuja, adding that
access to affordable and quality healthcare services by all Nigerians is one of the agenda of the present government.

According to Pate, Universal Health Coverage under the Tinubu led administration is not just a political decision, but a resolve and commitment towards strengthening the relationship between the development partners and other Civil Society Organisations, other stakeholders put all hands on deck in order tonensure no one is left behind.

” The Federal Government is committed to work towards it but it also needs partnership with state governments, with our development partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media to think positively and change the direction otherwise, the lack of progress that had been witnessed with previous effort can continue if there is no genuine consensus in Nigeria to achieve this aspiration.

” We will bring about investment to expand the quality of healthcare services that Nigerians access through the primary healthcare systems and hospitals.

“We expect that states will complement with the participation of every stakeholder, to ensure that the society is healthier.

“This action requires that everyone has access to quality healthcare services that are affordable.”

He urged Nigerians to take all necessary precautions in ensuring they remain healthy and fit.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reiterated the Federal government’s readiness to collaborate with state governments in the attainment of UHC.

”We are not going to leave the states alone we are going to work with WHO, that is why later today, we are going to be signing a pact with the state, a pact is what we are going to be doing, the role of the Federal Government, once we began to work together, we have met with the governors forum and we met with the governors.

“We intend to engage with the citizen in order to express their opinion. We want to expand the line of citizen engagement we have now. This will help us to collect proper data.”

For this part, World Health Organisation (WHO) representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, said the yearly commemoration is an avenue for awareness and call for better universal health coverage which is lagging.

He reiterated the WHO, other development partners redainess for continued support in remeding health challenges in the country towards the attainment of universal health coverage for all.

He further said the new investment initiative by Nigeria and the swap that accompanies is an example of how a government can align with the international best practices. Nothing that,
Nigeria’s success would no doubt influence Africa, while having a global effect on the world.

“WHO will be joining on the pact today to express our commitment alongside UN agencies and partners to support Nigeria to accelerate health, this is the time for action.