Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the health sector reforms implemented by the Nigerian government have generated significant interest, attracting over $4.8 billion in potential investments.
In his statement, he emphasized that the investments form a fundamental part of the administration’s dedication to reinvigorating Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He disclosed this on Saturday at the inauguration of a private health facility; Sahad Hospitals in Abuja.
The Vice President outlined a comprehensive strategy to address longstanding challenges and propel Nigeria’s healthcare system into the future.
“Our health sector calls upon us all to unite. The promise of this day is one we cannot overlook. It is through such collaboration and shared dedication that we can guarantee every Nigerian receives the care and support they deserve,” he declared.
VP Shettima noted that the health sector reforms under this administration are anchored on a robust roadmap designed to tackle persistent issues that have plagued the system for decades.
He said, “This Administration’s ambitious health sector reforms, which have already attracted over $4.8 billion in potential investments, signal a strong commitment to revitalising our healthcare system.
“These reforms are anchored on a comprehensive roadmap designed to address longstanding challenges, and central to this are four key pillars: transforming healthcare governance, improving population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security.”
He highlighted initiatives launched by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali-Pate.
“We have set out to achieve this by boosting domestic production of essential medical supplies and drugs, and by strengthening primary healthcare through the doubling of fully functional centres across the nation,” he stated.
Challenges
The Vice President acknowledged some challenges.
“Nigerians continue to grapple with pressing healthcare challenges, such as surging costs of medicines, long hospital waiting times, and a shortage of health workers,” he stated.
He emphasized that the full impact of the reforms, particularly in improving access to quality healthcare, hinges on private sector involvement.
“Our private sector is a critical part of the solution, especially in the face of the long-standing brain drain among our medical workforce.
“Investing in the health sector engages the talents and skills of our citizens, generating numerous job opportunities for graduates and technicians. This is a notable aspect of our national development narrative,” the Vice President explained.
The Vice President described the Chairman/Founder of Sahad Group of Companies, Ibrahim Mijinyawa, as a good and trustworthy businessman.
Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the occasion, Senator Barau Jibrin, expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that mere words could not adequately convey appreciation for the Chairman of the hospital, Mijinyawa and his benevolent actions. He acknowledged the high-quality services provided to the underprivileged and assured that Sahad Hospitals would continue to uphold similar standards.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the hospital does not only mark a new chapter of healthcare in Nigeria but a celebration of a vision that exemplifies what could be achieved when public-spirited individuals invest in the health sector.
The Minister said the challenges of healthcare services today are multifaceted, requiring more innovative efforts from both the government and the private sector.
In his earlier address, Dr Shamsuddeen Aliyu, the Vice Chairman of Sahad Hospital, characterized the hospital as a state-of-the-art institution constructed to demonstrate its steadfast dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare and promoting the welfare of its beneficiaries.
He explained that Sahad Hospital has a 200-bed capacity with seven operating theatres, 13 dialysis machines, as well as 10-bed ICU units among other facilities.
Source: Voice of Nigeria (VON)