Health sector set for revamp with $4.8b investment – Shettima

Shettima noted that the investments are part of the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revitalising Nigeria’s healthcare system.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President disclosed this on Saturday at the commissioning and grand opening of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja.

He said that Shettima 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,” Shettima declared.

The Vice President noted that the health sector reforms under the Tinubu 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.”

Detailing the government’s strategy, Shettima highlighted initiatives launched by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate saying, “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.”

The Vice President acknowledged the challenges that remain, regretting that “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 emphasised 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.

Shettima revealed that the National Economic Council (NEC), which he chairs, has prioritised investments in developing Nigeria’s human capital, with health and nutrition being key thematic areas.

“Each of our state governors is fully on board. We have all acknowledged that no nation can optimise its opportunities without investing in its healthcare, and for us, this is only the beginning,” he assured.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment to the goal, the VP said, “We welcome this intervention, not just because it aligns with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has demonstrated his commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare value chain, but also because of its far-reaching implications for our national development.

“We stand prepared to move forward together into the future, and I assure you that the government will continue to be your steadfast partner in this effort to serve the nation and humanity, with full support to achieve our shared goals.”

The Vice President described the Chairman/Founder of Sahad Group of Companies, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, as a good and trustworthy businessman, even as he recounted how he intervened when Sahad Stores Ltd was locked up by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

He stated: “When the FCCPC locked up his store, I had to call the head of the agency to say, ‘Please, reopen the store before you come and tell me what happened’. I did so because I know how helpful Sahad Stores is to many Nigerians

“He (Alhaji Mijinyawa) is a very good man. He has used his business to touch many lives. If he was a selfish man, he would have kept his money to himself and his children and grandchildren alone, because he has enough to take care of himself till he leaves this world.

“But he has decided to continue helping humanity. I had so many engagements scheduled for this weekend but had to appeal to them that I can’t attend their events because I feel we should support such a person that is working for the course of humanity. We all need to support him,” the VP added.