The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, has emphasised that sustainable transformation of Nigeria’s health sector can only be achieved through strategic partnerships that marry global expertise with local initiatives.
Mr. Kalu made the remarks while receiving Dr. Philip Ozuah, a distinguished Nigerian-American healthcare leader and President/CEO of Montefiore Medicine, in his office.
Health Reform Must Be Systematic and Inclusive
Kalu highlighted the urgent need for systematic rebuilding of Nigeria’s health sector through deliberate policies, targeted investments, and structural reforms that guarantee universal access to quality healthcare.
“Health is the only form of wealth that cannot be regained once lost. Regardless of the quality of our laws or budgets, our development remains incomplete if citizens continue to die from preventable causes,” he said.
South East Development and the PISE-P Initiative
The Deputy Speaker, who represents the South East, said his legislative agenda is anchored on the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation (3Rs) framework to address the lingering effects of conflict and underdevelopment in the region.
Through his PISE-P Initiative, he is:
- Rebuilding primary healthcare centres
- Training community health workers
- Promoting rural healthcare delivery
- Sponsoring the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill
- Conducting medical outreaches and supplying critical equipment
- Advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities
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National Health Sector Gains and Ongoing Challenges
Kalu noted some national achievements, including:
- Eradication of wild polio
- Expansion of maternal and child health services
- Increased access to tertiary healthcare
He applauded the Federal Government’s ₦1.33 trillion health budget for 2024 under the Renewed Hope Agenda but stressed that funding alone cannot solve systemic health challenges.
“Budgets don’t deliver outcomes — resilient systems do,” he noted.
Key Legislative Actions in the 10th Assembly
Mr. Kalu listed the following legislative milestones:
- Mandatory health coverage under the NHIA Act
- Expansion of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund
- Modernisation of outdated health laws
- Support for local pharmaceutical research
- Passage of the Health Infrastructure Development and Regulation Bill
- Progress on the Medical Residency Training Fund (Amendment) Bill to reduce brain drain
- Commissioning of the National Assembly Clinic as a public sector model
The Call for Partnerships
While acknowledging government efforts, Mr. Kalu reiterated the need for global-local collaborations to reverse medical tourism and improve healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians.
Earlier, Dr. Philip Ozuah shared his personal journey from humble beginnings to leading a major health institution in the United States, underscoring the transformative potential of Nigerian professionals in the diaspora.
“Dr. Ozuah’s success is a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent is nurtured and given room to thrive,” Kalu said.