On Wednesday, Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced that the Federal Government has hired 2,497 doctors, midwives, nurses, and community health extension workers in the past six months to address the personnel shortage in the health sector.
Additionally, he revealed the government’s intention to allocate N50bn to enhance the primary healthcare sector.
Pate shared this information during the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series organized by the Ministry of Information in Abuja, aiming to showcase achievements and communicate governance challenges to the public.
Nigeria with a low doctor-population ratio, is experiencing a massive exodus of physicians.
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria also stated that nine out of every 10 medical and dental consultants were leaving the country.
Poor remuneration, rising insecurity, inadequate diagnostic facilities, unconducive work conditions and economic conditions are some of the reasons for the mass exodus.
Pate, however, said President Bola Tinubu had made remarkable strides in enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality.
According to him, the government has prioritised the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities.
“Through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, we have expanded access to vital healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.
“As a result of our efforts, we have recorded an increase in the proportion of women who attend antenatal care. Over 550,000 women now attend their first antenatal care and are armed with the right information and care to improve their pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.
“The achievements we have recorded signal progress and improvements. To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives/nurses to bridge the gaps due to attrition.
“An additional 1,400 health facilities now have skilled birth attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities. This has increased the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.”
The minister also announced that the FG would be releasing N50bn as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a significant increase from N25bn allocated in 2022.
“This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens,” Pate said.
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