Muhammad Ali Pate

Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has disclosed that in the last six months, 2,497 doctors, midwives/nurses and community health extension workers were recruited to bridge the manpower gap in the health sector due to the emigration of health workers.

Pate revealed this at a press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation. He said an additional 1,400 health facilities now have skilled birth attendants.

The Minister also disclosed that the federal government would release N50bn as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). The BHCPF is a catalytic fund geared towards improving access to primary healthcare.

He said;

“This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens.”

On rising cost of pharmaceuticals, the minister said;

“An executive order will soon be issued to curb the escalating drug prices in the short-term while our mid to long-term goal involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade.”