By Iyemah David
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has completed 201 specific infrastructure projects in federal government-owned tertiary hospitals across the country.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate disclosed this during a Ministerial Sectoral Briefing in Abuja ahead of Tinubu’s first anniversary.
He said the projects ranges from renovations to new constructions.
Prof. Pate highlighted the procurement and distribution of 179 crucial medical equipment pieces across the six geopolitical zones, further enhancing healthcare services nationwide.
In addition, he said approximately 4.5 million Nigerians accessed outpatient health services, and 1.6 million had inpatient admissions in 33 federal tertiary hospitals, showcasing the utilization of government-provided healthcare services.
The Minister emphasised the significant upgrade in healthcare infrastructure, attributing it to President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Plans are underway for groundbreaking ceremonies of 10 healthcare infrastructure projects, including diagnostic and oncology centers, across the geopolitical zones, facilitated by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority in collaboration with public-private partnerships,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and equipping teaching hospitals through major public-private partnerships to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for all Nigerians.
Pate commended the dedication of healthcare professionals across federal hospitals in achieving these milestones.
The minister reiterated that the President has approved the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, emphasizing the importance of domesticating production capabilities to create jobs for the youth.
“A draft Executive Order has been finalized to reduce barriers related to importing raw materials and equipment for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
“This policy change aims to enable Nigerians to produce essential items domestically, such as syringes, needles, generic pharmaceuticals, test kits, and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for malaria.
“The goal is to shift the production of bed nets, currently manufactured abroad, to local production in Nigeria to promote self-sufficiency and economic growth.
“One of the world’s largest treated bed nets manufacturers is considering establishing a manufacturing plant in Nigeria to produce for Africa.
“The focus is on policy changes to facilitate the healthcare value chain and promote local production of essential healthcare items,” he explained.
