NAIRAMETRICS
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate has raised concerns over the uneven distribution of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, revealing that nearly 40% of registered physicians are based in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos.
He made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja at the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) Third National Health Summit, themed “Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: Translating Policies to Impact”.
Pate stressed that addressing this disparity requires more than policy development; it demands effective execution.
Pate also lamented inadequate funding has negatively impacted the performance of Nigeria’s health sector, preventing it from meeting its goals.
“Health sector financing has been inadequate and inefficient for a long time, with significant challenges in mobilizing funds and ensuring financial protection for much of the population.”
He projected that by 2025, domestic health financing at the federal level would increase, with more resources allocated to improving the population’s health.
Speaking further, the minister stated the issue of uneven distribution of healthcare professionals, noting that nearly 40% of registered physicians are concentrated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos.
“Addressing these challenges requires not just policy formulation but effective implementation,” he emphasized.
According to the minister, policies work when a clearly identified problem, its solution, and the opportunity align. But it’s not enough to have policies on paper.
“The real challenge lies in executing them effectively. Often, the timing and opportunities for implementation are not optimal,” Pate said.
The minister also commended the NMA for fostering peace and harmony in the sector, which he described as essential for building a robust healthcare system.
“While challenges remain and the country faces difficult times, we believe that with determination, sincerity, and a focus on patient-centred care, we can overcome these issues,” he said.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, said the summit aimed to review healthcare policies, assess implementation, identify gaps, and propose impactful solutions.
