Nigeria Launches First Quarterly Performance Dialogue to Enhance Health Sector

The Nigerian government has launched its first inaugural Quarterly Performance Dialogue between the Federal Government and State Commissioners of Health to Enhance the Health Sector in the country.

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The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, emphasized the importance of cooperative federalism, as mandated by the National Health Act of 2014.

He said the initiative aimed to foster collaboration among all levels of government, the private sector, and development partners to improve health outcomes across Nigeria.

“On December 12, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which saw all State Governors and the FCT sign a compact with the Federal Government. This agreement underscores a collective commitment to enhancing health services and outcomes for all Nigerians,” he said.

Prof. Pate expressed gratitude to development partners for their support, ensuring that resources are directed toward priority areas that will significantly benefit the population.

“The initiative emphasizes accountability, with regular performance dialogues and evaluations to track progress. These sessions aim to keep stakeholders informed, identify areas needing improvement, and foster a culture of continuous learning and enhancement.”

Prof. Pate highlighted the importance of using data to understand the effectiveness of current strategies and to make informed decisions about necessary improvements.

He said, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is committed to achieving, including improved immunization coverage, increased access to skilled birth attendants, enhanced antenatal care, and expanded health insurance and primary healthcare services.”

He encouraged states to monitor their progress against these indicators, stressing that the collective goal is to improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.

In her welcome remark, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Kachelom Daju, emphasized the dialogue’s role in actualizing the health sector’s strategic blueprint.

She highlighted the event as a pivotal moment for stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges, and explore opportunities to build a more unified, effective, efficient, and sustainable health system that meets the needs of all Nigerians.

Daju expressed unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the health sector.

The Nigeria Governors Forum Health Advisor Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab highlighted the urgent need for enhanced data quality and the transition to digital reporting systems.

The Secretariat emphasized that outdated methods, such as VHS, are no longer sufficient for accurate data collection.

He stressed the importance of taking stock of existing processes and implementing corrective measures to evolve with technological advancements.

Acknowledging widespread complaints about data quality, the Secretariat emphasized the importance of positive and constructive feedback to drive improvements.

“Better quality assessments are crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable data. To achieve this, we proposed the distribution of tablets to facilities, enabling real-time data entry and monitoring. This digital approach aims to reduce errors and enhance the overall quality of data collected.

“By addressing these issues, the Nigeria Governors Forum aims to create a more transparent and effective governance structure, ultimately benefiting public health and overall state administration,” he added.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ekiti State and Chairman Commissioners of Health Forum Dr Oyebanji Filani highlighted the significance of the inaugural event, emphasizing that it provides a platform to hold all stakeholders accountable and ensure progress in healthcare delivery across the states.

He commended the efforts of the coordinator in organizing the event and underscored the need for sustained commitment from all participants to achieve long-term health goals.

Dr. Filani pointed out the strides made over the past two years since the first Primary Health Care Financing forum, noting clear next steps such as enhanced engagement with local governments and finance ministries, and the implementation of monthly performance meetings at the state level.

“These meetings feed into quarterly reviews at the Commissioners’ Forum, ensuring a structured and continuous evaluation process. This systematic approach aligns with the broader goal of strengthening sub-national health systems and ensuring consistent progress across all states,” hesaid.

Dr. Filani urged his colleagues to approach the performance dialogue as an opportunity for learning and growth. He stressed the importance of transparency and critical evaluation of collected data to drive improvements at the state level.

“By embracing this collaborative and data-driven approach, there is hope that the forum can significantly enhance healthcare outcomes and better serve the needs of Nigeria’s population,” he added.