The Federal Government has ruled out disruptions in Nigeria’s health sector, as Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, says dialogue is ongoing with key professional groups to keep hospitals open and workers on duty.
Prof Pate made this known on Thursday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
He confirmed that the government is in “active dialogue” with associations such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which had issued an ultimatum over unresolved welfare issues.
“We call on all health workers to put the Nigerian person at the centre of our attention
“There are issues we can resolve through negotiation, and we are intent, in good faith, to continue to find ways to resolve those outstanding issues with them over time. Because at the end of the day, the health workers are the lifeblood of the healthcare system, and the infrastructure and equipment we are providing have to be complemented by the health workers.” The Minister stated.
Pate described President Tinubu’s leadership as a “revolution” in Nigeria’s health sector and stressed the government’s commitment to peaceful labour relations despite threats of strike actions.
He highlighted what he called “unprecedented” investment in federal health institutions, pointing to recent improvements in infrastructure and equipment at tertiary hospitals.
“We are seeing a revolution in terms of the infrastructure and equipment in federal tertiary institutions across our country
“Recently launched oncology centres in hospitals in Katsina, in Enugu, and in Maiduguri are just examples of what this President has approved.”
“Resources have already been deployed, tangible results that Nigerians can see. Folks who are unfortunately facing the deadly disease of cancer may now choose to use our own resources here in this country, unless somebody chooses to do otherwise.”
“World-class infrastructure that this President has provided can attend to most kinds of cancers, and these are accompanied by human resources dedicated to cancer care,” he explained.
The Minister also disclosed that the FEC had approved a major upgrade at the oncology centre of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
“In line with this health sector renewal investment initiative and today’s approval by the Federal Executive Council of an additional oncology centre at the University College Hospital, this is a continuation of this trend of revolutionising the health infrastructure.”
The new facility will include a Linear Accelerator for advanced diagnostics and treatment.
“This will enable Nigerians who are suffering from cancer to be catered for,” he said, noting that more centres in Lagos, Nasarawa, and other states are “in the pipeline alongside many other massive projects.”
He also referenced recently commissioned projects at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, which he described as “one of the largest hospitals in the West African region, and possibly one of the largest on the continent.”
“This week alone, more than 10 major projects were commissioned there — a neurology centre, a stroke centre, a heart centre, an interventional radiology centre, and a revamped oncology centre
“This country has never witnessed such attention by a president to boost the health system.”
Pate credited the Ministers of Finance and Budget, as well as the wider presidential team, for supporting the President’s health vision.
On labour relations, Pate acknowledged a recent circular from the Accrued Wages Commission had sparked unrest among health professionals.
“This is a listening government
“The circular was withdrawn, and now we are in the process of negotiating in a transparent manner the increment in allowances so that we meet those health workers on the needs that they have expressed.
“We engaged with their leadership, which was very constructive in its approach
“We extended that ultimatum while many of the outstanding issues have been looked into, including their outstanding arrears, for which the Minister of Finance is going to ensure that those are being disbursed over time.”
He also confirmed that the government had agreed to centralise the posting process for nurses, to ensure fairness.
“Those ones, we’ve agreed, will be managed centrally — that’s the fair thing to do
“There are other issues, ordinary establishment issues, and we’re working to ensure that we meet them.”
“Not all of those issues are financial in nature, but this government is committed to ensuring that everyone in the health sector is respected and their needs addressed to the best extent possible.”
The Minister announced that further talks with union leaders were scheduled for Thursday to ensure continued dialogue and resolution of pending demands.
“In the spirit of Mr President, we intend to ensure lasting peace, resolve those issues to the extent possible, and continue in that direction.”
He concluded by reaffirming President Tinubu’s directive for his team to strengthen both infrastructure and staff welfare.
“We’re leaning in, and we’re trying to find resolutions
“We encourage the leaders of those unions to continue that faith. This government is committed to keeping hospitals open and nurses on duty.”
PIAK