Prof. Christian Isichei, a Professor of Chemical Pathology, has called for increased local production of essential health commodities to strengthen Nigeria’s health sector.
He made the call on Saturday in Jos while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Plateau State branch.
Isichei, who was represented by Prof. Mercy Isichei, called on the government to diversify supply chains and improve cold chain logistics, institutionalise risk-informed planning within health budgets.
He further called for the strengthening of research and knowledge translation for policy and practice and the development of surge capacity plans and emergency procurement frameworks.
Isichei, said that building resilience in the health sector also entailed government’s investments in community health systems, cross sector collaboration and health workforce safety.
According to him, to maintain and enhance healthcare service delivery during economic downturns, Nigeria must implement evidence based, context specific measures that would address systemic inefficiencies, optimise resource utilisation and strengthen community engagement.
He also called on the government to create health sector stabilisation fund dedicated to support essential health services during fiscal shocks.
He said that with the prevailing economic uncertainties, strengthening resilience in the health sector would help maintain, care and safeguard previous improvements in population health outcomes.
Earlier, Dr Yilji Kumtap, NMA chairman Plateau branch, in his welcome address, said the theme for the 2025 AGM “Healthcare service delivery and the economy; sustaining standard service care in the face of a dwindling economy.” Was apt .
Kumtap, said the theme was picked , to enable the association come up with strategies for the sustainability of best standards of care, despite the prevailing economic situation.
He urged his colleagues to use the AGM as a platform to brainstorm and develop actionable solutions.
“I urge you to deliberate on strategies to retain our doctors, improve healthcare funding, enhance collaboration with government and private stakeholders, and strengthen our advocacy for better welfare and working conditions.,” he added.