ABUJA – Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has set forth his commitment to address the issue of medical tourism and enhance the nation’s healthcare outcomes. Pate’s dedication was evident as he assumed office, engaging with stakeholders to strategize solutions for pressing health challenges.
During his inaugural meeting with the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary, Kachollom Daju, and senior directors, Pate assured his determination to eradicate medical tourism. The practice of Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad is viewed as a concerning trend that requires intervention. Pate emphasized the urgency of improving health outcomes and the need to implement effective measures.
“The prevalence of medical tourism from places like Addis Ababa to New Delhi is a matter that we in the health sector must not accept as normal,” Pate said. He underscored the imperative to heighten health outcomes through improved governance, emphasizing a collaborative approach involving federal, state, and local governments as well as various stakeholders.
Pate, an advocate of leveraging the health sector’s economic value chain, proposed a partnership between the private and public sectors. He highlighted the significance of this cooperative endeavor, underlining the core public mission amidst private sector involvement.
Moreover, Pate spoke about his mission to integrate social welfare into the broader healthcare agenda. He pledged to place Nigerians at the heart of policy formation and implementation, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of renewal and advancement. He emphasized that this approach hinges on recognizing the interconnectedness of people’s health and overall well-being across all stages of life.
“The president’s inclusion of Social Welfare in the health portfolio signals a foundational element of his administration’s efforts,” Pate asserted. He stressed the importance of delivering tangible change that positively impacts the lives of Nigerians.
As he takes on this crucial role, Pate’s resolute mission is to reshape Nigeria’s healthcare landscape by reducing medical tourism and improving primary healthcare services. His agenda aligns with President Tinubu’s aspirations to transform the nation’s health sector and elevate health outcomes.
Reflecting on his ministry’s core mission, Pate highlighted the paramount goal of saving lives and alleviating suffering. He noted President Tinubu’s commitment to making the government’s impact felt, especially through the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Supporting Pate’s endeavor, Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, affirmed his dedication to ensuring that Nigerians fully appreciate the impact of healthcare delivery. Alausa stressed that basic healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be universally accessible.
Source: Lafiya360 and News Agencies