$4.8 Billion Investment to Transform Nigeria’s Health Sector – Shettima

Discover how a $4.8 billion investment aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s health sector. Vice President Shettima shares his vision for improved healthcare services.

Over $4.8 billion in potential investments have been attracted by the Federal Government’s health sector reforms, as announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Shettima remarked that the investments signify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to rejuvenating Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), stated that during the commissioning and grand opening event of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja on Saturday, the Vice President revealed this information.

According to him, Shettima presented a thorough plan that intends to tackle prevailing hurdles and advance Nigeria’s healthcare system in the upcoming times.

Shettima stated that it is crucial for everyone to come together and work as a team in the health sector. The commitment of this day should not be ignored, and by combining efforts with shared passion, we can assure each Nigerian receives the appropriate care and assistance they are entitled to.

According to the Vice President, a sturdy plan has been put in place by the Tinubu administration to address long-standing problems that have plagued the health sector for many years.

According to him, the health sector reforms undertaken by this Administration are ambitious and have already generated a potential investment of over $4.8 billion. This reflects their unwavering dedication towards rejuvenating our healthcare system.

A comprehensive roadmap has been formulated to tackle long-standing challenges, and it comprises four critical pillars: revamping healthcare governance, enhancing population health outcomes, breaking the shackles of the healthcare value chain and fortifying health security.

Shettima expounded on the government’s approach, emphasizing efforts initiated by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Shettima stated that “We aim to increase domestic production of crucial medical supplies and medication while simultaneously elevating primary healthcare services nationwide through doubling highly operational centres.”

The Vice President recognized the ongoing hurdles and expressed remorse that Nigerians are still struggling with urgent healthcare issues, encompassing skyrocketing medicine costs, extended hospital waiting periods, and a deficiency of medical professionals.

Private sector involvement is critical for the success of healthcare reforms, specifically in enhancing access to high-quality medical services. This was emphasized by him.

In addressing the long-standing brain drain among our medical workforce, our private sector plays a crucial role in finding solutions.

The Vice President expounded that the health sector investment employs citizens’ abilities and expertise, creating countless employment prospects for graduates and technicians. It is a prominent feature of our country’s growth story.

Shettima disclosed that Nigeria’s human capital development is the primary focus of the National Economic Council (NEC) which he leads, and health as well as nutrition are significant themes in this regard.

He reassured that all of our state governors are fully supportive and have recognized that healthcare is essential for maximizing a nation’s opportunities. This, he stated, is just the start.

The Vice President expressed once again the administration’s dedication to achieving their objective, stating, “We are pleased with this contribution because it not only supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goals of advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector but also has a significant impact on our country’s overall progress.”

Our readiness to progress into the future is unwavering, and rest assured that the government will remain a committed collaborator in our pursuit of serving both our nation and humanity. We pledge complete backing towards realizing our common objectives.

Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, the Chairman/Founder of Sahad Group of Companies, was praised by the Vice President for his honesty and credibility. The VP also shared how he assisted when Sahad Stores Ltd faced a lock-up situation from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

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He declared that he had to contact the head of the agency when Sahad Stores got locked up by FCCPC, requesting for the store to be reopened before being informed about what happened. He took this step as he understood how beneficial Sahad Stores is to numerous Nigerians.

Alhaji Mijinyawa is an exceptional individual who has positively impacted numerous lives through his business ventures. Despite possessing sufficient means to cater solely for himself and future generations, he remains altruistic in nature – choosing instead to share the fruits of his labor with those around him.

According to the VP, the individual has made a choice to persist in their efforts towards aiding humanity. Due to this observation, I had many plans already arranged for this weekend; however, I felt compelled to inform them that my attendance won’t be possible as it’s important we rally behind someone working on such an altruistic cause. Ultimately, backing and promoting their mission is crucial at this moment,and so all of us should contribute our support accordingly,” conveyedthe VP.

Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the event expressed his gratitude towards Alhaji Mijinyawa, who is both the hospital’s chairman and a humanitarian. He acknowledged that mere words are insufficient to express appreciation for Alhaji Mijinyawa’s contributions in providing high-quality healthcare services to underprivileged individuals. Senator Jibrin further affirmed that Sahad Hospitals would continue their dedication to this cause as well.

During the event, Senator Jibrin was unable to attend and instead sent Senator Garba Musa Maidoki as his representative. In a statement delivered on his behalf, he expressed excitement about the hospital’s potential to benefit both affluent and underprivileged Nigerian citizens. He also encouraged collaboration between the hospital management and other non-profit organizations that provide healthcare services for marginalized communities in order to ensure access for local refugees who require medical attention.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, expressed gratitude to the hospital Chairman. He commended the facility’s contribution towards advancing healthcare in Nigeria and acknowledged its success as a testament to the power of investing in public health by compassionate individuals.

He remarked that Alhaji Mijinyawa’s unwavering commitment is evident in the commissioning of Sahad Hospital, which boasts 200 beds and complements the federal government’s efforts to enhance healthcare quality for citizens.

According to the Minister, healthcare services face a multitude of challenges today that demand increased innovation from both government and private entities.

Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu, the Vice Chairman of Sahad Hospital, hailed its state-of-the-art facility as a testament to their resolute dedication in delivering exceptional healthcare services and promoting the welfare of its beneficiaries during his opening statements.

He believes that the hospital symbolizes something beyond its mere physical presence- a future where all individuals have access to thorough and empathetic healthcare.

Shamsuddeen stated that Sahad Hospital is capable of accommodating up to 200 beds, equipped with seven advanced operating theatres and thirteen dialysis machines. Additionally, there are ten-bedded ICU units available. He further added that the hospital team has dedicated their efforts towards creating a patient-centered environment by providing top-notch facilities ranging from design to equipment maintenance services..