The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with a specific focus on improving the welfare of all health workers, including doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
This assurance was made by Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, Minister of State for Environment, at the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), held in Abeokuta.
The conference, which centered on the theme, “Evolving Roles of Doctors in Healthcare Management and Nation Building,” provided a platform for discussions on the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
During the event, Salako emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is deeply committed to ensuring that the healthcare sector receives much-needed reforms, starting with the welfare of health workers.
Salako highlighted that the current administration is “doctor-centric,” noting that it is the most focused on the needs of medical professionals in the history of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the minister, the government’s emphasis on healthcare reform stems from President Tinubu’s personal commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians through quality healthcare services.
“The Tinubu-led administration is dedicated to improving the welfare of resident doctors and all health workers. President Tinubu is particularly concerned about their well-being, and I can proudly say that his cabinet is heavily represented by doctors.
In fact, this is the first time we have had eight doctors in the federal cabinet,” Salako stated.
He further stressed that the administration’s approach to healthcare reform goes beyond the welfare of doctors alone.
“The government will ensure that the welfare of all health workers, not just doctors, is prioritized. Our goal is to make significant improvements across the entire healthcare system,” he added.
Salako assured that the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains unwavering, and the administration is working diligently to ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services.
“President Tinubu is doing his best to turn around Nigeria’s fortunes, and we are confident that the healthcare sector will soon reflect these efforts,” he said.
In response to Salako’s remarks, the President of NARD, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, expressed concern over the challenges faced by resident doctors across the country.
He pointed out that despite the difficult working conditions, Nigerian resident doctors remain dedicated to serving their country, often at personal costs.
Abdullahi, however, emphasized the need for an improved welfare package for doctors.
“While we remain committed to the healthcare needs of Nigerians, it is important that our welfare is also taken seriously.
“We urge the government to ensure that resident doctors across the country receive better support and working conditions,” he said.
The healthcare sector in Nigeria has long been plagued by issues such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of medical personnel.
These challenges have often led to frequent strikes by health workers, including doctors, who have consistently called for better working conditions and remuneration.
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