Health commissioners seek increased funding in healthcare to achieve UHC

The 36 state commissioners for health, under the auspices of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF), have reiterated the need for sustained funding for the nation’s health sector to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

In a communique released after the conclusion of a two-day 3rd Quarterly Meeting of the forum, the commissioners explained that increased funding at both state and federal levels would significantly improve access to quality healthcare across primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities.

The meeting, chaired by the forum’s chairman and the commissioner for health in Ekiti state, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and for his investment in the healthcare system.

The communique, signed by Dr. Oyebanji and Kwara’s commissioner for health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, who serves as the secretary, promised more collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in surveillance and preparedness against disease outbreaks.

The communique reads: “The meeting underscored the importance of sustainable health financing models to achieve UHC. Commissioners resolved to advocate for increased budgetary allocations to health at both state and federal levels across all three tiers (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and to explore alternative funding mechanisms to ensure all Nigerians have access to affordable and quality healthcare.

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“The commissioners commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for approving the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and his significant investment in the healthcare system.

“They recognized the critical shortage of skilled healthcare workers, as highlighted in the HRH assessment commissioned by the NHCF, and emphasized the need for innovative strategies to attract, train, and retain healthcare professionals across the country.

“The commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) as the cornerstone of the Nigerian healthcare system, stressing the need for adequate staffing, training, and the provision of essential medicines and equipment to improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

“They also considered the recent Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Financial Autonomy, appraising its implications for PHC financing in Nigeria. A sub-committee was constituted to develop a position paper in consultation with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW).

“The health commissioners expressed their collective commitment to working together to improve the health outcomes of all Nigerians. They also called on all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to support these initiatives in building a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.”