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Vice President Kashim Shettima shared some encouraging news about the government’s efforts to revamp the health sector. He announced that the reforms have already drawn in a significant amount of interest from investors – to the tune of $4.8 billion.
This influx of potential funding could be just what the sector needs to bring about meaningful change.
Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized that these investments align with the administration’s overarching goal, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to breathe new life into Nigeria’s healthcare system. This commitment is a cornerstone of their efforts to ensure citizens receive quality medical care.
During the commissioning and grand opening of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja on Saturday, Vice President Kashim Shettima made a significant announcement.
According to Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Shettima revealed the news about the investments in the healthcare sector.
According to Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Shettima presented a sweeping plan to tackle entrenched issues and modernize Nigeria’s healthcare system during his remarks at the Sahad Hospitals event.
“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.
Vice President Shettima stressed that the Tinubu administration’s approach to health sector reforms is centered on a thorough and multi-faceted plan, aimed at resolving the persistent issues that have long hindered the system’s effectiveness.
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.”
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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.
Vice President Shettima highlighted that the private sector is essential to finding answers to the nation’s healthcare problems, particularly given the prolonged hemorrhage of medical skills resulting from the ongoing departure of trained medical personnel.
