By Muhammad Amaan
The Nigeria’s Federal Government would train 120,000 frontline health workers by 2027, as parts of efforts to address human resource shortages in the health sector.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, revealed this at the third National Health Summit of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) held in Abuja.
He said that the training quotas for medical professionals have doubled, where 43,000 frontline health workers have already been retrained, advancing toward the target of 120,000 by the year 2027.
According to him, the Health Workforce Migration Policy is improving working conditions to ensure the retention and better distribution of healthcare professionals.
The minister represented Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima at the 3rd National Health Summit on “Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: Translating Policies to Impact.”
The summit was organized by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), under the leadership of Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi state.
Prof. Pate stated that the summit provided a vital platform to reflect on the progress we have made, the challenges ahead, and the partnerships driving our shared vision of a stronger, more equitable healthcare system for all Nigerians.
“While our healthcare system has demonstrated strengths, critical gaps remain. Maternal mortality and outbreaks like diphtheria highlight inequities in care and vaccination coverage, while affordability continues to be a major barrier for many Nigerians.
“Public perception surveys show growing confidence in the sector, a testament to ongoing reforms, yet hurdles such as fragmented governance, uneven healthcare worker distribution, and financing constraints still hinder the system’s full potential,” he said.
The minister added that the under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the bold reforms initiated by the federal ministry of health and social welfare are actively addressing the issues.
He stated that, “Through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), over 1,000 primary healthcare centres now receive direct funding through the revitalized Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), ensuring resources reach facilities and communities most in need.
“Emergency obstetric care has been expanded, with 30 hospitals offering prequalified emergency obstetrics services, including free caesarean sections and fistula repair surgeries, breaking down financial barriers that too often lead to preventable tragedies.
“We are advancing infrastructure development at an unprecedented pace. Six cancer centres and eight diagnostic facilities are under construction, with three set to open by May 2025.
“Solarization of critical hospital units and the installation of oxygen plants in 44 tertiary hospitals are further strengthening care delivery,” he added
According to Pate, the governance reforms are fostering greater alignment and accountability, “while the historic compact signed with all 36 governors and the FCT Minister, and development partners exemplifies a unified commitment to shared priorities.”
