Nigeria’s Health Commissioners, from the 36 States of the Federation, have demanded that the Federation’s health budget be increased at all governmental levels. They reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the nation’s primary healthcare systems while highlighting the demand for increased government support.

The Commissioners, and the Federal Capital Territory’s Mandate Secretary of Health, expressed their support for the Federal Government’s workforce Migration Policy. After a two-day summit in Abuja on Friday, 16 August 2024, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the Commissioner for Health of Ekiti State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum, disclosed this information to reporters.

He declared, “Health financing was another important issue on our agenda. We are pushing for increased budget allocations for health at all levels of government.”

Filani commended President Bola Tinubu for his substantial investments in the healthcare industry as well as for passing the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration. He emphasized the critical need for creative approaches to draw in, educate, and retain qualified people in the health sector throughout Nigeria, given the severe scarcity of healthcare professionals as reported in a recent NHCF evaluation

The latest verdict on local government financial autonomy by the Supreme Court and its consequences for primary healthcare in Nigeria dominated a large amount of the conversations. Strengthening PHCs as the cornerstone of the country’s healthcare system is a commitment that the commissioners reaffirmed.

Filani emphasized how crucial it is to provide sufficient personnel, training, and the availability of necessary supplies and equipment at the local level. “The task of creating a position paper regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling’s effects on PHC funding has been assigned to a subcommittee. He further declared, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as well as the Nigerian Governors Forum will be consulted in the preparation of this paper.”

The Commissioners examined readiness and reaction plans in their respective states in response to the recent cholera, diphtheria, and mpox outbreaks. He praised the work of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention and urged for ongoing support to states to improve readiness and response.

He stated, “To improve coordination and preparedness, it was decided that monthly meetings between State Health Commissioners and the Director-General of the NCDC would be held.” In addition, he voiced concern over the growing prevalence of non-communicable illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and renal disorders.

We decided to give NCDs top priority in our state health agendas and pledged to start an extensive awareness campaign called, “Know your Number, Control your Number,” which is slated for the final quarter of 2024, he remarked. He praised the recent efforts of the FMoH&SW in supporting the Sector-Wide Approach to healthcare delivery and promised that the commissioners would strive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

The Commissioner voiced support for the new digital health project from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which aims to transform the provision of healthcare by using data-driven decision-making.

Additionally, he applauded the efforts of Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, and Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, for their leadership in advancing digital health solutions.

Reiterating the commissioners’ dedication to enhancing health outcomes nationwide, Filani urged all parties involved, private industry and civil society included, to collaborate in creating a country that is both healthier and more prosperous.

NAN

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