2.4m Nigerians have healthcare access through vital Federal Government programs.Health minister Muhammad Ali Pate says four million additional enrolees have been included in the Vulnerable Groups Fund, ‘which means they can afford healthcare,’
The Federal Government announced on Friday that it expanded healthcare access to more than 2.4 million vulnerable Nigerians in the past year through the Vulnerable Groups Fund. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this information in Abuja.
Pate spoke during a ministerial oversight committee meeting for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). He emphasized that the initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality and improve child health outcomes. According to him, this effort highlights the government’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare, especially for poor and vulnerable populations.
He noted that including these additional enrolees in the Vulnerable Groups Fund represents a significant step toward equitable healthcare access for Nigerians. “Over the last year, four million additional enrolees have been included in the Vulnerable Groups Fund, which means they can afford healthcare,” he said.
Commitment as 2.4m Nigerians have healthcare
Furthermore, the government allocated resources to support comprehensive emergency obstetric care. This allocation ensures healthcare affordability for the poor and vulnerable populations. Pate mentioned that some states are excelling, like Anambra, while others are lagging behind. “But it is a journey we are on together with the federal government, states, and other stakeholders,” he added.
To address maternal health challenges, the minister prioritized the repair of obstetric fistulas. This condition affects many women due to complications during childbirth. He announced that the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Several fistula repair centres are located in states like Ebonyi and Katsina.
“This administration is ensuring that women afflicted by obstetric fistula receive affordable care,” he stated. “Hundreds of women have already had their fistulas repaired at low cost, with more receiving the treatment they need.”
Strengthening healthcare systems
In addition to improving healthcare access, Pate mentioned that the Federal Government is training frontline health workers across the country. This training aims to strengthen the healthcare system. He expressed confidence that these efforts will significantly reduce maternal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for children nationwide.
“The Ministry of Health is also working with the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure that women recovering from fistula are empowered and supported,” he noted. “Through this collaboration, we are addressing the vulnerabilities that women with obstetric fistulas face, ensuring that they can reintegrate into society with dignity and support.”
Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria, especially for vulnerable populations. This commitment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader health agenda. “We are on the path to improving maternal health, reducing child mortality, and strengthening our healthcare systems,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing that this healthcare initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in accessing essential medical care, particularly the poor and vulnerable populations. 2.4 million Nigerians gain healthcare access through these vital programs.
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