The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening tertiary health institutions as a cornerstone of national development and improved public health outcomes.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, stated this at the opening ceremony of the 113th Regular Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary and Specialist Hospitals in Sokoto State.
According to him, the renewed focus is reflected in sustained investments, policy reforms, and strategic partnerships aimed at repositioning teaching hospitals and specialised medical centres across the country.
“Tertiary health institutions, including teaching hospitals and federal medical centres, play a critical role in delivering advanced medical care, training healthcare professionals, and driving research and innovation.
Recognising these factors, the federal government has continued to prioritise funding for infrastructure upgrades, procurement of modern medical equipment, and expansion of critical care services.
“Several facilities are undergoing renovation and modernisation to meet global standards and improve service delivery,” Professor Pate said
The Minister, represented by the Director Hospital Services of the Ministry, Dr Bisola Adegoke, noted that the government has also intensified efforts to address the shortage of skilled healthcare personnel.
He said that “through increased support for medical education and residency training programmes, tertiary institutions are better equipped to produce highly qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.”
“Incentives and welfare packages have also been introduced to retain talent and curb brain drain in the health sector,” he added.
He, however, explained that digital transformation has become a key component of the government’s agenda at the tertiary health institutions.
“The introduction of health information management systems and telemedicine services in some tertiary institutions is enhancing efficiency, patient management, and access to specialist care, particularly for people in remote areas,” he noted.
He said, despite challenges such as funding gaps and increasing patient demand, the government remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that tertiary health institutions provide quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services to all Nigerians.
“This sustained investment underscores a broader vision of building a resilient health system capable of responding effectively to current and future health challenges”, he explained.
The Minister charged participants to brainstorm and share knowledge for meaningful outcomes.
Also speaking, the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, who declared the conference opened, commended the committee for choosing the state to host the event.
He said the state ensured all citizens have access to quality healthcare across 23 local governments.
Governor Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Engr. Idris Gobir said health remains a critical component of the present administration’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda.
He explained that the state government has strengthened its relationship with key institutions by establishing a Memorandum of Understanding that allows consultants and senior registrars to attend to patients at the state specialist hospital.
The governor called on all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors attending the meeting to continue to uphold high standards of professionalism and ethics in their respective institutions.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, Professor Sa’ad Ahmad, said that among the objectives of the meeting were knowledge and experience sharing for the improvement of public health.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in the health sector, the Chairman also encouraged stakeholders to do more.
In his goodwill message, the Sultan, Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Kilgori, Dr Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, praised the committee for their commitment towards ensuring efficient and quality healthcare service delivery in the country.
He assured the traditional rulers’ continuous support for healthcare-related programmes and policies for sustained service delivery.