Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has expressed deep concern about Nigeria’s inadequate investment in the healthcare sector.
Quest Times reports that Pate, in an exclusive interview on Channels TV on Wednesday, highlighted the issue of low budget allocation and delayed fund releases, emphasizing that the country is significantly below the necessary threshold.
Also, he underscored the importance of prioritizing health, noting that while the Federal Government and some states have increased their health budgets, the timely release of allocated funds remains a critical challenge.
“Federal Government is moving up, some states have increased the allocation, but have not released over the years what they have even budgeted.
“So the political prioritization implies that the budget is increased, but also the releases are not timely to the institutions in the respective states,” he stated.
He then urged states to expedite the release of funds to healthcare institutions to ensure effective service delivery.
Addressing the plight of health workers, Pate conveyed appreciation for their dedicated service across the nation, especially in challenging circumstances, including rural areas.
Despite the difficulties faced by healthcare professionals, he assured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services for the Nigerian population.
He concluded by acknowledging the vital role of health workers in fixing the healthcare system, emphasizing that collective efforts are crucial for the betterment of the country’s health sector.