National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has disclosed that it is taken a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by engaging stakeholders from various tiers of government, civil society organiSations, and development partners.
This, it said, the collaborative effort aims to boost the country’s primary healthcare system, ensuring that Nigerians have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, while briefing the media at the end of the National Stakeholders Engagement on Accelerating Improvement in Primary Health Care in Nigeria with Local Government Financial Autonomy, stated that the government and stakeholders have come together as one tool to establish a shared understanding of the context of the primary health care system.
While speaking further, the ED stressed the importance of governance, finance, human resources, and service delivery in achieving the President’s agenda to make primary healthcare accessible to all.
“The meeting built upon a landmark court ruling that granted local governments financial autonomy.
“Stakeholders acknowledged the challenges and opportunities presented by this ruling and committed to working together to protect the gains of primary healthcare and accelerate its impact.”
“The meeting resulted in the establishment of a shared understanding among stakeholders on the context of the primary healthcare system.”
“A framework for collaboration was also established, outlining the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, including tiers of government, non-state actors, and development partners.
“Furthermore, a roadmap for implementation was created, which includes policy reviews, responsibilities, and amendments. Ultimately, stakeholders committed to working together to protect the gains of primary healthcare and accelerate its impact.”
“As Nigeria operates a national health system governed by the National Health Act of 2014, stakeholders recognized the importance of abiding by the law and working together as a team.
“Everybody has a role in the national health system, emphasizing the need for collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.”
Aina also disclosed that the meeting also highlighted the importance of community engagement and participation in primary healthcare adding that primary healthcare is about the people and that stakeholders must work together to ensure that communities are empowered to take ownership of their health.
“The outcome of the meeting is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.”
“With a renewed commitment to collaboration and coordination, stakeholders are optimistic that the country can make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes and achieving universal health coverage.”
“As the country moves forward, stakeholders will continue to work together to implement the roadmap and framework established during the meeting.”
“This will involve ongoing engagement and coordination among stakeholders, as well as regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure that progress is being made towards achieving the goals of the national health system.”
“Ultimately, the success of Nigeria’s national health system will depend on the ability of stakeholders to work together effectively and to prioritize the needs of communities.
“With a renewed commitment to collaboration and coordination, stakeholders are optimistic that the country can build a stronger, more resilient health system that benefits all Nigerians.”
The NPHCDA boss assured that the agency will continue to provide technical support to states and local governments to strengthen their primary healthcare systems as this support will include capacity building, provision of essential medicines, and equipment.
“In addition, the agency will work closely with development partners to leverage resources and expertise to support the implementation of the national health system.
“This collaboration will help to ensure that Nigeria’s health system is well-equipped to address the health needs of its citizens.”
“The success of this effort will depend on the continued commitment of stakeholders to collaboration and coordination,” he added.