Health Minister of State Urges Dialogue, Patriotism to Strengthen Health Sector

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has called for continuous dialogue, mutual understanding, and patriotism among health professionals to address challenges in Nigeria’s health sector.

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He made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) office in Abuja, Nigeria.

Dr. Salako acknowledged the critical role of nurses and other healthcare workers, describing them as the most valuable assets of the health system. He assured the association that the government remains committed to improving their welfare, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized the health sector through increased budgetary allocations and a structured waiver system to facilitate the employment of more health workers.

While addressing the challenges of workforce shortages, the minister admitted that migration has posed a significant threat to the health sector, as many trained professionals leave the country.

He urged nurses and other healthcare workers to remain in Nigeria, emphasizing that the government has invested heavily in their training. “We need to exercise more patriotism so that when it is time for the government to benefit from its investment, we do not simply pack our bags and leave”. He said.

Dr. Salako also advocated for improved cooperation among health professionals, including nurses, doctors, and pharmacists, to ensure a more cohesive and efficient healthcare system. He hinted at plans for a national dialogue to foster better collaboration among professional bodies within the health sector.

On policy matters, the minister addressed concerns raised by NANNM, including the request for the creation of a Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health. He acknowledged the significance of the demand and promised to engage relevant stakeholders to explore its feasibility.

However, he cautioned that any structural change must be implemented in a way that ensures fairness across all health professionals.

Furthermore, Dr. Salako reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy, allowing unions and professional bodies to engage in constructive discussions with the government. He stressed that regular engagement and proactive communication between health workers and government agencies would help prevent frequent industrial actions.

“The frequent strikes in the health sector have made the public desensitized to their impact. We must explore alternative means of advocacy, as the goal of any strike is to garner public sympathy, and that is fading”. He stated.

In response to NANNM’s concerns about the implementation of a National Industrial Court judgment affecting nurses, the minister advised the association to obtain the legal interpretation from the ministry’s legal unit for clarity. He also assured them that the gazetting of their scheme of service was in progress and promised to follow up on the matter.

Dr. Salako’s visit, which marked his first official engagement with a health union, was described as a significant step in fostering stronger collaboration between the government and nursing professionals.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to improving working conditions and enhancing healthcare service delivery across the country.