MINISTER OF HEALTH AND AND SOCIAL CALLS FOR STRONGER COLLABORATION AMONG THE THREE TIERS OF GOVERNMENT 13-03-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, has called for stronger collaboration among the three tiers of government to enhance primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the National Stakeholders’ Engagement on Accelerating Primary Health Care in Nigeria, the minister emphasized the importance of local government autonomy in strengthening healthcare delivery.
Professor Pate recalled the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy, noting that while it initially raised some concerns, it also presented an opportunity to reform the system.
The minister stressed that primary healthcare goes beyond physical structures, requiring coordinated efforts among federal, state, and by local governments.
“Local governments will now play a greater role, but they cannot do it alone. Standards, funding mechanisms, and technical support must be harmonized to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery,”
Prof Pate commended key stakeholders, including Dr. Faisal Shuaib and his team for their contributions to strengthening primary healthcare.
He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the “One Roof” policy, which seeks to streamline healthcare governance for improved service delivery.
With Nigeria’s diverse healthcare challenges, Professor Pate underscored the need for locally adaptable solutions that align with national standards.
“We do not have 774 separate health systems; we have one national health system that must function as a whole,”
Earlier, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency,
Dr. Muyi Aina reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving healthcare services across the country.
He highlighted significant progress made over the past year, particularly in the Family Health Initiative which is now active in six states.
Dr. Aina noted that states like Gombe and Ekiti are piloting a financial management tool to enhance accountability and resource allocation in healthcare facilities. He also spoke about the newly launched Community-Based Health Worker Program aimed at revitalizing primary healthcare at the grassroots.
He revealed that
In the past year, 842 new health care facilities have been completed, with plans are underway to build additional 3,000.
He, however, cautioned against the indiscriminate establishment of new facilities, advocating instead for upgrading existing structures to optimize resources.
“We must focus on strengthening what we have to ensure efficiency and sustainability,,
The National President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bello Lawal represented by the Chairman Taraba State ALGON, Alhaji Aminu Hassan Jauro assured stakeholders of the association’s commitment to primary healthcare delivery.
He outlined key priorities for local governments, including:
Budget Administration Ensuring local governments control primary healthcare funding.
Infrastructure Development Constructing and renovating healthcare centers based on identified needs.
Human Resource Management Overseeing the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of health workers from levels 01 to 06.
Governance Participation Increasing local government chairmen’s involvement in state health governing boards.
Alhaji Jauro who described the event as apt explained that financial autonomy is key to improving healthcare at the grassroots.
“Local governments must be empowered to fulfill their constitutional mandate for better healthcare services,”.
In a remark, The Country Director of the World Health Organization, Dr. Walter Molumbo reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support the Federal Government in strengthening healthcare services in Nigeria.
AForica247 correspondent report that, the stakeholders’ and engagement meeting,
provided a platform for discussions on improving healthcare financing, governance, and service delivery.