Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako has called for media partnership in healthcare reforms by bridging the gap between policymakers and the populace.
According to Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in an interactive session highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and health journalists to achieve better health outcomes across the country.
Dr. Salako opened the session by commending the media’s contributions to the health sector. He emphasized that policies, no matter how well-crafted, cannot yield optimal results without proper dissemination and public engagement.
“The media is critical in ensuring our policies reach every corner of the country. Without your help in spreading the word and engaging the public, our efforts will not yield optimal results,” he remarked.
The Minister also noted that health literacy in Nigeria is still below desirable levels, which affects health-seeking behaviors and overall health outcomes.
“Research consistently shows that when health literacy improves, people make better decisions about their health. This is an area where your work is indispensable,” Dr. Salako said.
Highlighting the significance of media feedback, the Minister cited instances where reports from journalists brought critical issues to the Ministry’s attention.
“When one of our hospitals had a power outage and patients were protesting, it was the social media that first brought it to our notice. You help us create awareness, and you are also our eyes and ears on the ground,” he stated.
Dr. Salako outlined his two primary focus areas for the coming year: improving the quality of care in health facilities and emphasizing preventive healthcare. According to him, patient experience should be at the heart of healthcare delivery.
“It’s not just about building hospitals or buying ambulances. If Nigerians visit our hospitals and don’t feel treated with dignity and courtesy, then we have failed,” he emphasized.
He announced a shift in evaluating healthcare institutions, moving from infrastructure-focused metrics to outcome-based assessments.
“Heads of institutions will no longer be assessed on the number of buildings they construct or ambulances they purchase but on the actual impact of those investments on patients’ lives.”
On preventive healthcare, Dr. Salako revealed plans to strengthen immunization programs and other disease prevention initiatives. He stressed the need for the media’s support in creating awareness and encouraging public participation.
“Prevention is better and more cost-effective than cure. We need to focus more on stopping diseases before they reach our hospitals,” he said.
Journalists at the session raised concerns about their limited involvement in policy formulation and implementation. Responding, Dr. Salako assured them of more inclusive approaches.
“We will prioritize consultative policies and field visits to ensure the media is involved from the start of initiatives, not just at press briefings,” he promised.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of field reporting, particularly in monitoring immunization programs and engaging communities that resist vaccination. While noting the need to review past practices, he assured journalists that their suggestions would be incorporated into future strategies.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s broader goals, Dr. Salako reiterated his commitment to aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Health Renewal Investment Initiative.
“The strategic direction for the next three years is clear, and my role is to complement it by addressing gaps and ensuring a sector-wide approach to healthcare delivery.”
The Minister also highlighted the importance of a supportive media in achieving these goals. “You are not just the fourth estate of the realm; you are an integral part of the health sector. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of Nigerians,” he stated.
The session ended on a high note, with journalists appreciating the Minister’s openness and commitment to fostering collaboration. Many expressed optimism about the renewed partnership and its potential to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Dr. Salako’s media parley serves as a reminder of the crucial role of communication in bridging policy and practice, reinforcing the shared responsibility of government and media in building a healthier Nigeria.
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