By Asmau Ahmad
The Budget Office of the Federation, said the health investment service is a catalyst for economic growth in the country.
Director-General of the budget office, Prof. Ben Akabueze, said this at the 8th Future of Health Conference with theme, “The Political Economy of Health: Investing on the Future of Nigeria,” organised by the Nigeria Health Watch on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the conference was germane by providing the opportunity to discuss the determinants of health outcomes in various options available for sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria.
Represented by Prof. Olumide Ayodele, he said the event also created an avenue to discuss measures for all effective healthcare delivery across the country.
The D-G, who gave keynote address on financing healthcare sustainably in Nigeria, said the importance of improved healthcare services for economic growth and development could not be overemphasised.
According to Akubueze, health investment service is a catalyst for economic growth through higher labour force, higher labour productivity, innovations and improved well-being of the population.
“It is generally said that health is wealth, a healhty population engenders economic prosperity. It is, therefore, imperative to ensure significant investment in health, effective delivery of healthcare services and equitable access to healthcare services in Nigeria.
“Health is high on Nigeria’s development agenda. In view of social economic returns of healthcare investment, a key objective of the National Development Plan 2021- 2025 is to enable a healthy population,” he said.
Akabueze who said there was need for the primary healthcare to be funded at the local government level, urged all stakeholders to be involved to reduce mortality rate and enhance workforce.
He commended the consistency of the Nigeria Health Watch for organising health conference focusing on topical issues.
