The Federal Government has met with the leadership of health sector unions and associations as part of ongoing reconciliation efforts to sustain industrial harmony in the nation’s health care system.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said this in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Alaba Balogun.

According to the statement, Pate, who led the government’s delegation, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu holds health workers in high esteem and remains committed to improving their welfare.

“He appreciates all Nigerian health workers, whom he regards as key to realising the Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector.

“His administration has made significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, services, and welfare and will do even more,” he said.

Pate stressed that the timely implementation of agreements recently reached with the unions was critical to maintaining healthcare services, which he noted had undergone significant reforms in the past two years.

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According to him, Nigerian hospitals are now attracting patients from other West African countries, as well as Europe and America, due to improvements in the system.

He also described the meeting as the first of its kind, commending the dedication of health workers and expressing satisfaction with the level of discussions held.

He added that to ensure effective execution of the agreements, the Federal Government has set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako.

“The committee includes Ms. Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and a representative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and a delegate from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.”

Others are a member of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Budget Office.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Tanko Sununu, commended both the unions and the health ministers, stressing that agreements should be implemented consistently and uniformly.

He also called for continuous dialogue between the government and unions to ensure lasting industrial peace in the health sector.

(NAN) 

Dr Douglas Okor, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Health Reform Advocate, has urged Nigeria’s political leaders to make the rebuilding of the country’s ailing health system a national priority.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, Okor said that meaningful health sector reform could not happen without deliberate, top-down commitment.

“Health sector improvement starts from the top.

“All the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), federal and state governments, and lawmakers must understand that health is not optional. It’s a mainstream public good.

“You can not develop a country without sorting out your healthcare system,” he said.

Referencing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he pointed to Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, as a reminder that a functional healthcare system was foundational to national development

He urged leaders to back their rhetoric with adequate funding and the political will to drive change.

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Okor also underscored the critical role of civil society, healthcare professional associations, faith-based organisaations, and especially the media in spotlighting health issues and keeping them at the forefront of national discourse.

“The media must mainstream healthcare and set the agenda so that Nigerians understand how critical it is,” he said.

With the 2027 general elections already entering political conversations, he urged voters to hold aspiring politicians accountable by demanding specific, actionable plans for health reform.

“Our healthcare system is weak and broken. The question every citizen must ask is: ‘What are you going to do about healthcare?’” he said.

He stressed that true reform must benefit all Nigerians, not just the urban middle class.

In particular, he identified two urgent focus areas: Nigeria’s under-resourced and poorly coordinated primary healthcare system and its fragile emergency medical services.

“We must build a system that serves everyone, including rural dwellers.

“Leadership must model this commitment so that others follow.

“That’s how you create national culture and real reform,” he said.

(NAN)