The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, has said that strengthening health sector governance, and institutions, and ensuring efficient, resilient and affordable quality health systems are some of his agenda for the country’s health sector.
Prof Pate also noted that medical industrialisation, unlocking the healthcare value chains, and embedding health security as part of economic and national security are also his priorities for the health sector.
Pate disclosed this in a series of messages on his X handle @muhammadpate on Monday night.
He said he assumed his position with the mandate to transform the health sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
The minister said, “A couple of weeks ago I assumed office as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare @Fmohnigeria with the mandate to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system for improved health outcomes in line with H.E. President Bola A. Tinubu GCFR @officialABAT Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“Our agenda focuses on four pillars: Strengthening health sector governance and institutions, smart and effective regulations, digitization, enhancing citizen voices and our responsiveness, and making sure no one is left behind.
“Efficient, resilient, equitable, affordable and quality health system to improve health outcomes by delivering preventive, promotive, and curative services, at primary healthcare and hospitals, by properly trained and motivated health workforce, and sustainable domestic financing.
“Medical industrialisation and unlocking the healthcare value chains, to create jobs and promote economic development.
“Embedding health security as part of economic and as national security,” the global vaccine expert said.
He added that though the task is huge and the journey is long, “With commitment by all levels of our government, sectors, and partners, we will achieve our vision of a healthy, prosperous, and thriving Nigeria. This we will do with utmost transparency and impeccable accountability.”
The PUNCH reports that Pate stepped down from becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Gavi six weeks before assuming the position.
Pate was meant to resume as the CEO of Gavi on August 3, 2023, following the announcement of his appointment by the global health organisation on February 13, 2023.
However, in a statement made available to our correspondent on Monday, GAVI noted that it decided to appoint another CEO, seeing as Pate will no longer resume as CEO.
In the statement, Pate informed the board of Gavi that he received a request to “return and contribute to his home country, Nigeria.”
However, Pate has restated Gavi’s commitment to prioritise Nigeria in the rollout of malaria vaccine and to contribute to the overall health care in the country.
