Coordinating Minister of Health Prof. Pate Calls On Private Sector To Invest More In Nigeria’s Healthcare System
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, says private sector participation is critical in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and improving access to quality healthcare.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea Medical Center in Ewatto, Esan Central District, Edo State, the Minister called on high-net-worth individuals and corporate organisations to complement government efforts by investing more in healthcare infrastructure and services.
Prof. Pate highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, in collaboration with state and local governments. He commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his partnership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in revitalising primary healthcare and expanding health insurance coverage in the state.
The Minister, however, stressed that government alone cannot meet the healthcare needs of the population, urging private investors to build and equip healthcare facilities and support the provision of essential medical commodities.
The Minister noted that such investment in healthcare benefits both communities and the private sector by promoting a healthier, more productive population. He explained that improved access to healthcare would enable farmers to work effectively, help teachers remain healthy and ensure children are better positioned to learn.
Prof. Pate urged Nigerians to emulate Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea’s contribution to healthcare development through the establishment of the medical centre, describing it as an example of how private sector investment can support the transformation of Nigeria’s health sector.APC, PCC REFUTE ALLEGATIONS TO ASSASINATE FORMER VP ATIKU
The All Progressives Congress APC Presidential Campaign Council has refuted allegations by a Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress ADC Frank Timi over plot to assasinate the former vice president and candidate of the opposition African Democratic Congress Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson Dele Alake describes the claims as false and denied news making the rounds that security personnel attached to the former vice president have been withdrawn, this he said is misguided as the President has reinforced more personnel to ADC presidential candidate while urging Timi to assist with information to sustantiate his claims.
"This is a grave allegation that Mr Frank must prove. We thus urge security agencies to invite him to substantiate the allegation, given its gravity and the urgent need to preserve life. We also urge Mr Frank not to hesitate to provide any information in his possession that will enable prompt investigation. Any credible threat to life must be treated seriously, irrespective of political affiliation.
We categorically reject the claim that the presidency of Nigeria or the APC Campaign Council is involved in any plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any opposition figure."
The APC Presidential Campaign Council says, it's not and can never indulge in such a cause, the statement describes opposition as key for democracy to thrive and insisted it will always focus on engagements that will strengthen democracy, promote good governance and preserve the highly earned peace and sovereignty in the interest of the nation.
It states that "President Bola Tinubu, as a statesman and an avowed democrat, recognises opposition politics as an essential part of the nation's 27-year-old democracy. For 16 years in Nigeria, President Tinubu was the face of opposition, and he galvanised the opposition movement to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party as a governing party in Nigeria in 2015," it cocludes.
