FG Pledges Commitment to Nationwide Health Coverage

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has pledged the commitment of the federal government to ensure the provision of health services to Nigerians across the country, assuring that although that task appeared daunting, it was achievable.

The minister stated that on assumption of office, the first thing his ministry did was to announce a universal health coverage that would target at least 100 million people in the first instance, adding that a lot of people were cynical about it.

Adewole, who spoke in Abuja at KPMG’s book presentation, described that drive as a journey, which has already begun and must move towards full realisation, adding that there was no doubting the fact that Nigerians have a leader in President Muhammadu Buhari who would deliver because he is not only ‘pro-poor’ but also ‘pro-rural.’

Receiving over a 100 copies of the book, “In Search of the Perfect Health System” authored by KPMG’s Global Chairman & Senior Partner for Health, Mark Britnell, the minister promised to make copies available to the National Assembly and all critical stakeholders, noting: “We will remember this day as the day KPMG made a significant contribution to our efforts.”

Presenting the book, Partner & Head, Advisory Services, KPMG, Mr. Kunle Elebute, said the organisation was desirous of supporting the federal government’s drive at the reinventing the health sector, noting that the challenges were enormous, but surmountable.

He noted that of particular concern was how to reverse the growing trend of medical tourism abroad, pointing out that the book depicts countries in various continents of the world that have embarked on putting in place excellent health systems for their people.

Elebute stated that the author was willing to come to Nigeria and share his experiences, adding that the book was part of KPMG’s contribution to Nigeria’s health sector as its contents are invaluable.

Following a guide to 25 countries’ health systems, the book explores seven challenges facing healthcare around the world. Such challenges include healthcare for all, the paradox of change, bringing quality under control, a workforce for the future, patient power, climate change, and ageing.

The book also listed what the author categorized as the five transformative forces facing healthcare in the future, including genomics, health, retail revolution, wearables, and dignity of dying.