Jonathan calls for church-led revolution in health sector

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has charged the Church to take the lead in the revolution of the healthcare delivery system in the country.

Jonathan gave this charge while addressing the maiden edition of the ‘Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Health Summit’ in Abuja.

Jonathan who was represented by the former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrimage Commission (NCPC), Professor John Kennedy Opara also charged the Church to be at the forefront of using their platforms to promote the need for the clergy and laity to enrol into health insurance scheme which is now at their doorsteps across the states of the federation.

The ex-President said the church has always been a pillar of support and a beacon of hope for communities across our nation.

“It has played a vital role in providing education, social services, and healthcare to the under-served and marginalised. The establishment of hospitals, clinics, and health programmes by the Anglican Church has significantly contributed to improving the health and well-being of countless Nigerians.

“As we gather here today, I urge the Anglican Church and all faith-based organizations to continue their unwavering commitment to health and social justice.

“Your influence, reach, and trust within communities can bridge the gaps in our healthcare system and bring us closer to achieving universal health coverage. By advocating for equitable healthcare policies, supporting health education initiatives, and fostering partnerships with government and private sector entities, the church can play a transformative role in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria,” Jonathan added.

Also in his address, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Reverend Dr Henry Ndukuba further charged members at the maiden Church of Nigeria health summit to chart the way forward in quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Primate Ndukuba expressed hope that the summit will come up with a steering team for the establishment of the structure of the Church of Nigeria Health Commission.

He said the duty of the Commission will be to coordinate the Church Clinics and Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions for effective administration and collaboration among them.

Ndukuba maintained that the Church of Nigeria should play a leading role in healthcare delivery that touches and care for ordinary Nigerians.

“This summit will examine the place of our Church in matters of Healthcare and chart a way forward for the Church to engage effectively in quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

“We hope that this conference will come up with a steering team for the establishment of the structure of the Church of Nigeria Health Commission, whose duty will be to coordinate our Church clinics, hospitals and healthcare institutions for effective administration and collaboration among them.

“This Commission will have advisory and regulatory oversight (setting standards and quality control) for uniformity, coordination of mission-driven, compassionate, and efficient healthcare delivery within the communion.

“We charge this summit to give us a template for establishing the Church of Nigeria Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to respond to the healthcare needs of the people. This Church has the advantage of spreading in Nigeria.

“The Church of Nigeria needs a functional pharmaceutical production and servicing outfit to support and complement the Healthcare Institutions of this Church. This is very urgent.

“We request for the establishment of a fellowship and the Church of Nigeria Health Professionals Association to galvanise our members who are in Healthcare and to help build the future of this Church as you work to raise the young people and mentor them in this compassionate service to God and humanity.”

He explained that medical missions in Nigeria have a rich history rooted in the broader context of missionary work during the colonial era.

These missions according to him significantly impacted the development of healthcare systems in Nigeria, introducing modern medical practices and establishing hospitals and clinics that still serve communities today.

“The introduction of western medicine to Nigeria can be traced back to the 19th century when Christian missionaries arrived. Their primary aim was to spread Christianity, but they quickly realised the need for holistic missions that address the needs of the total person through agriculture, education and medicine,” the Primate noted.

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