The Social Advancement Forum (SAF) has praised President Bola Tinubu for his determined efforts in reforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The organisation highlighted that the administration’s strategic policies and targeted interventions are laying the foundation for more affordable medication and better health services for Nigerians.
In a statement released by its Chairman, Mr. Shehu Atta, SAF commended both President Tinubu and the Minister of Health and Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Pate, for their visionary leadership in overhauling the 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 Forum noted that as part of efforts to cushion the effects of rising healthcare costs, President Tinubu ordered the restructuring of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to ensure broader access to vital services, aligning 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.
SAF pointed out that with enhanced infrastructure and funding, primary healthcare centres have begun delivering critical services, including immunisation campaigns and maternal-child healthcare interventions.
The group further applauded the government’s measures to combat 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.
On healthcare financing, SAF observed that sustainable investment remains a key feature of Tinubu’s reforms, highlighting the sector’s budget increase by 41.5 per cent in 2023, moving from ₦826.9 billion ($532 million) in 2022 to ₦1.17 trillion ($753 million).
The group added that the 2025 budget reflects another significant rise, with healthcare funding boosted 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 Forum further noted that workforce development has been a central pillar of the administration’s agenda, stating that over 53,000 frontline healthcare providers received additional training within 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 also highlighted advancements in tertiary healthcare, revealing that six world-class cancer treatment centres are being developed in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, with two set to open by May 2025.
The group emphasised that these initiatives would significantly cut down on the number of Nigerians seeking medical care abroad, bringing lifesaving treatments closer to home.
The Forum stressed that healthcare had finally been elevated to a national priority under President Tinubu’s leadership.
