The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says the Health Sector Compact holds the potential to play a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s healthcare system and fostering positive developments within the sector.
Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, Director of the Department of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), made the assertion on Tuesday in Abuja during the Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC) Annual General Meeting Policy Dialogue 2.0 and Charter Adoption.
Highlighting the importance of strong commitment from all stakeholders, Isokpunwu stressed that the compact could significantly enhance overall health and well-being of the Nigerian populace.
He underscored that with its emphasis on equitable resource allocation, improved infrastructure, and the pursuit of universal health coverage, the compact stands poised to make substantial strides in advancing population health outcomes nationwide.
Mr Emmanuel Alhassan, Nigeria Coordinator, Prevent Epidemics, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), said that the decisions made during the annual meeting would shape the success of the country’s health sector.
Alhassan highlighted the importance of setting actionable and achievable milestones that can be tracked.
He said it was time for all stakeholders to begin to provide solutions to the problems of the health sector rather than complaining.
Mr Mike Egboh, the Country Director of USAID GHSC-PSM, emphasised the paramount importance of positioning HSRC as a reputable and reliable organization.
Egboh underscored the centrality of fully operationalising the National Health Act, emphasising that this endeavour requires not only diligence but also a steadfast daily commitment.
“It’s not merely a task; it’s a continuous dedication that we must fervently emphasise,” he asserted.
He highlighted the criticality of forging substantive partnerships with other stakeholders, emphasising that collaborative efforts are essential for translating shared aspirations into tangible outcomes.
He described the future of HSRC to serve as a catalyst and advocate for change in the Nigerian Health reform space.
“Support the building and strengthening public health capacity in Nigeria. Be the champion for optimal equitable health and well-being for all Nigerians.
“Serve as a clearing house for National regional and global information and best practices and resources for health.
“A membership association with an independent secretariat having its own full/part-time/volunteer staff.
“A highly potential membership association with a clearly defined mission and vision statement. That is founded on technical principles transparency and accountability.
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“A non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization that serves as a watchdog to government and its agencies and the organised private sector holding them accountable for their stewardship,” he outlined.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of HSRC, Mrs Chika Offor, said that the objective of the meeting was to have a dialogue on health systems strengthening through effective governance.
Offor said it was also to review and adopt the HSRC Charter. (NAN)
