FG showcases reform gains, N68bn vaccine financing, expanded PHC, rising insurance coverage

The Federal Government has announced significant progress in ongoing health sector reforms as the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) hold in Calabar Cross River State with renewed commitments to universal health coverage, strengthened primary healthcare delivery, and expanded insurance coverage.

Declaring the council open on behalf of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Deputy Governor Peter Odey emphasised the importance of this year’s theme: “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation.”

He highlighted the state’s alignment with national health priorities, citing the revitalisation of over 100 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of 2,000 health workers, establishment of four colleges of nursing, introduction of a six-month maternity leave policy for women, construction of a new general hospital, and achievement of 28 percent health insurance coverage — above the national average.

“Our duty is to ensure healthcare is available to all Nigerians, rich or poor,” Odey said, pledging full cooperation in implementing resolutions reached at NCH66.

Delivering the keynote address, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, outlined major reform gains under the Renewed Hope Health Agenda. He disclosed that ₦68 billion for vaccine procurement has been approved and transferred to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, clearing the way for new vaccine supplies. He also announced the settlement of ₦500 billion in historic outstanding liabilities, a 17 percent reduction in maternal mortality in targeted LGAs, and rising public confidence in the health system.

“These achievements show that we are not merely planning reforms — we are implementing them, and Nigerians are already feeling the gains,” Pate stated, urging states to raise their health budgets by at least 1% in 2026.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reported that health insurance coverage has expanded from 3 percent to 17 percent between 2019 and 2024, equivalent to 37.4 million Nigerians now enrolled. He called for full enforcement of mandatory insurance laws, faster rollout of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, and increased PHC investments.

The Federal Government also highlighted advances in PHC strengthening and digital health systems, with 10,823 PHCs revitalised nationwide, service integration improving to 72 percent, PHC quality scores rising from 42 percent to 70 percent, over 7.2 million Nigerians registered on the National Health Information Exchange, and more than 200 hospitals now operating electronic medical records.