The federal government has recently announced the recruitment of 2,497 healthcare professionals, including doctors, midwives/nurses, and community health extension workers, within the past six months. This initiative aims to alleviate the strain on the health sector caused by the departure of healthcare workers,Daily Trust reports.
During a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, revealed that an additional 1,400 health facilities now have skilled birth attendants. Consequently, the number of deliveries in health facilities has surged to approximately 230,000 per month.
In a further effort to bolster healthcare accessibility, the federal government is set to allocate N50bn as the initial installment of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). This fund is specifically designed to enhance primary healthcare services across the country.
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Prof Pate emphasized that this financial injection will revitalize primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is within reach for all citizens. Additionally, he addressed concerns regarding the escalating costs of pharmaceuticals, noting that executive measures will soon be implemented to curb price hikes in the short term. Furthermore, there are plans for the localization of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, as part of a mid to long-term strategy.
