By Salif Atojoko

The Social Advancement Forum (SAF) has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to healthcare reforms.

It noted that the administration’s focused interventions and policy concessions were paving the way for more affordable medicines and improved health services for Nigerians.

In a communiqué issued by Mr Shehu Atta, the Chairman of SAF, the group expressed appreciation to Tinubu and Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Development, for their leadership and reforms in the health sector.

“We acknowledge that the government launched the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) in December 2023 and signed a pact with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“NHSRII has mobilised over 3 billion dollars in external funding, with significant domestic investments projected over the next four years,” said SAF.

The group said in response to the rising cost of healthcare, the President announced a restructuring of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to expand access to essential services, in line with the National Health Act of 2014.

“The impact of these initiatives is especially visible in the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the country as the President has since approved the establishment of over 8,800 new PHCs nationwide.

“The President also approved the upgrading of existing tertiary institutions to better handle trauma, oncology and infectious disease control.

“By the end of 2025, the expectations are that more than 2,100 PHCs are expected to be fully functional,” the group stated.

It noted that with improved funding and infrastructure, the PHCs soon began to deliver essential services; from immunisations to maternal and child healthcare.

The group also provided insight into efforts by the Tinubu administration to stem the tide of infectious diseases.

“Significant investments have been made in malaria prevention, treatment, and vaccination; aiming to eradicate one of the country’s deadliest diseases, particularly among children under five.

“We note that the authorities are engaged in strategic partnerships with the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Global Fund, the U.S. Government, and other stakeholders in efforts to advance the fight against tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS,” said SAF.

According to SAF, sustainable financing has been a cornerstone of these reforms, saying that in 2023, the health sector budget increased by 41.5 per cent, rising from ₦826.9 billion (532 million dollars) in 2022 to ₦1.17 trillion (753 million dollars).

It noted that the 2025 budget further increased healthcare funding by 58.5 per cent, from ₦1.62 trillion to ₦2.56 trillion.

“This financial boost has revitalised PHCs, expanded health insurance coverage, and strengthened the nation’s health security.

“Notably, over 2 million more Nigerians have enrolled in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the past year, bringing the total number of insured individuals to 19.2 million.

“The Medical Relief Programme ensures that vulnerable populations receive subsidies for essential services, eliminating financial hardship as a barrier to care,” SAF stated.

The group stated further that workforce development had also been prioritised by the Tinubu administration, saying that more than 53,000 frontline health workers were retrained in the past year, out of a 120,000 target.

“These community health workers, often the only lifeline in remote areas, are now better equipped to deliver immunisations, educate families and make timely referrals.

“Under the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, over 1 billion dollars in investments have been catalysed for local pharmaceutical and medical device production.

“Partnerships with international firms are fostering innovation and technology transfer, transforming Nigeria into a regional hub for healthcare manufacturing,” said the group.

SAF said substantial progress had also been made in tertiary care, as six state-of-the-art cancer treatment centres are under development in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, with two scheduled to open in May 2025.

It said these facilities would reduce the need for costly medical tourism, bringing quality care closer home for Nigerians battling life-threatening conditions.

The group was emphatic that healthcare had assumed its rightful place as a national priority on Tinubu’s watch. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni