Minister calls for concerted efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Adeleke Mamora, says all hands must be on deck to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country
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He made the call during the launch of the Lancet Nigeria Commission report on “Investing in Health and the Future of the Nation”, organised by University College London, supported by its local partner, Nigeria Health Watch in Abuja.
The minister represented by Dr Morenike Alex-Okoh, the Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Mamora said he was delighted at the report, written by Nigerians for Nigerians.
He said “it is not only a diagnostic report, but an advocacy statement for government to see heath as a social contract and a strategic investment to ensure Universal Health Covarage.”
“It is also to eliminate catastrophic out of pocket expenditure and mainstream health into all policies and sectors as achieving Universal Health Coverage is not negotiable.”
“The year 2030 is only nine years away. We must engage the findings and all hands must be on deck to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the commission and address the myriads of challenges to achieve UHC.”
“Achieving Universal Health Coverage is a task that must be done, so help us God,” he prayed.
On his part, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar, the Dean, University College London (UCL), said “Lancet is a top team of experts from Nigeria and across the world with diverse expertise in health, epidemiology, political science, history, economics, among others.”
“We aim to help to reposition health policies in Nigeria to achieve health for all.”
“Our vision is to provide recommendations to ensure the health and wealth of future generations of Nigerians, so Nigeria can fulfill its potential,’’he said.
NAN
