By Muhammad Amaan
The Federal Government of Nigeria said the collaboration between the federal government, 36 state governors and other development partners, has enabled the mobilization of over $1 billion through the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain.
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, who said this at the third National Health Summit of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Abuja, said the initiative is boosting local production of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs.
The initiative which is part of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, aimed to boost local production of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports and creating jobs in the sector.
The Vice President who was represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that the initiative had provided direct funding to over 1,000 primary healthcare centres through the revitalised Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF 2.0).
He added that the funds have also expanded emergency obstetric care, including free caesarean sections and fistula repair surgeries at 30 prequalified hospitals.
According to him, while policies have been in place, the challenge lies in translating them into actionable results.
The partnership with NMA leadership and our development partners has been pivotal to these successes. Their dedication and collaborative spirit reflect the unity of purpose necessary to achieve sustainable progress in healthcare delivery.
These achievements, driven by President Tinubu’s leadership, underscore our collective resolve to save lives, reduce suffering, and ensure equitable access to quality care for all Nigerians.
While challenges remain, the progress made within just one year is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when well-crafted policies are paired with decisive action. Together, we are building a resilient healthcare system that will stand as a cornerstone of national development for generations to come.
The President of the NMA, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, stressed the importance of the sector-wide approach to developing Nigeria’s medical and pharmaceutical ecosystem.
He stated that the Nigerian government should leverage a unified approach involving all stakeholders, in order to produce at least 70 per cent of its healthcare requirements, including medications and equipment.
