HEALTH MINISTER SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH ANAMBRA STATE GOVT TO BOOST HEALTHCARE SERVICE
REPORTER: BEN ILECHUKWU
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to reposition the health sector and social welfare of the country for efficient and quality service delivery.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, who stated this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo at Governor’s Lodge Amawbia, identified health as the bedrock of any progressive country.
He stated that various reforms like collaboration with state and local governments in delivering transparent and accountable quality health services, expansion of primary health care system and health infrastructure, unlocking of the healthcare value chain with policy and regulatory measures among others, were initiated to improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
Professor Pate echoed that the federal government had signed an executive order to wave tariffs on raw materials for pharmaceuticals to allow local manufacturers tap into the huge market in Nigeria as well as rationalizing the drug distribution system.
The Health Minister who noted with dismay that “fake and canterfeit products undermines the efficiency of the health care system,” called for a partnership between Anambra State Government and his Ministry in conjunction with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rid the state of fake products.
He further thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts in revamping the primary healthcare system in the state and the provision of health insurance to the people.
He Al commended the Governor’s efforts in facilitating the access road to the Permanent site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nnewi.
Governor Soludo while welcoming the Health Minister and his entourage, commended the federal government for efforts in making quality health care accessible to citizens.
Governor Soludo called for reliance, transparency and accountablity of the local institutions and strengthening them for efficient service to the grassroots.
The Governor, while emphasizing on the imperative of health in the society, hinted that 326 political wards are currently being worked upon to have functional quality health centres equiped with solar facility and health personnel linked through telemedicine.
Top state government officials and stakeholders in the health industry attended the meeting.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
