Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has stressed that the drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a collective responsibility that extends beyond government.
He noted that health professionals, policymakers, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, and citizens all have critical roles to play in ensuring access to quality healthcare for every resident.
Declaring the 11th Plateau State Council on Health open in the capital, Jos, Mutfwang reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to placing health at the core of the State’s development agenda.
“Universal Health Coverage is not just a goal, it is a solemn promise that no resident of Plateau State, regardless of location or income, will be denied timely, affordable, and quality healthcare,” Mutfwang declared.
Highlighting recent strides his Administration has achieved, he noted improvements in healthcare infrastructure, service delivery, and access through programs such as the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA).
“Other health Infrastructure are the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA), and the Plateau State AIDS Control Agency (PLACA).
“Investments have also been made in the Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH) and across facilities under the Plateau State Hospitals Management Board (PL-HMB),” said Governor Mutfwang.
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The governor acknowledged persistent challenges in underserved rural communities, health worker shortages, medicine supply gaps, and out-of-pocket costs that still burden households.
“My Administration is not unaware of these challenges and we are committed to addressing them. We have unveiled bold reforms, including revitalizing one functional, fully equipped primary healthcare center in every electoral ward across the state’s 17 LGAs.
“We also recruited 22 specialist consultants, introduced six new medical departments, commissioning of a long-abandoned laboratory complex, a ₦2 billion equipment investment, and the deployment of an advanced Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system.
Key pillars
Dr. Omotosho Oyewole, who spoke on behalf of the Federal Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, lauded the state’s efforts and described the council’s theme as timely.
He underscored the need for Nigeria to embrace key pillars of health reforms including strengthened primary care, health financing, workforce development, digital innovation, and public-private partnerships (PPP).
He noted that the State Council on Health provides a crucial platform for collaboration and accountability, vital to achieving an inclusive and resilient healthcare system that delivers Universal Health Coverage for all.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Health Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, highlighted the centrality of governance in health system strengthening.
“Governance, in its truest essence, is not merely about administration; it is about stewardship, accountability, and the sacred trust placed in us by the people we serve. I commend the Governor’s leadership role especially in the health sector and the recent recognition accorded to him by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the House Committee on Health,” he said.
The Council on Health meeting was a three day event with the theme, “Repositioning the Plateau State Health System Towards Universal Health Coverage.”
It brought together stakeholders from government agencies, the Plateau State House of Assembly, civil society, NGOs, traditional institutions, and development partners.