It is with great pleasure that I welcome each of you to the 5th Legislative Health Summit. This gathering serves as a reminder of the pivotal role the legislature plays in safeguarding the health and well-being of our fellow citizens. The theme for this summit, “Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage,” resonates deeply at this critical juncture, urging us to elevate accountability in healthcare governance.
Our nation’s healthcare landscape stands at a crossroads. While commendable strides have been made, daunting challenges persist. Recent reports highlight Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rate, one of the highest globally, underscoring the stark reality that access to basic healthcare services remains a significant barrier for many. Additionally, health insurance coverage in Nigeria is still low, needing significant increase in public funding especially for the poor and vulnerable populations. I am pleased that the Honorable Coordinating Minister of Health, along with his team in the NHIA and the NPHCDA are taking laudable steps to deal with the situation.
As legislators, we are duty-bound to address these challenges decisively through policies and rigorous oversight. Our responsibility extends beyond enacting laws to ensuring their meticulous implementation for tangible societal impact. It is imperative that health budget allocations are not only adequate but also meticulously managed, ensuring every naira invested translates into measurable health benefits for our people.
A robust health system hinges on strong financing mechanisms. However, our current framework proves inadequate in meeting the diverse healthcare needs of our populace. The Abuja Declaration’s mandate for 15% of the national budget allocated to health remains unfulfilled. At this summit, we must identify legislative initiatives that provide funding solutions, effective policies, as well as sustainable partnerships. Such initiatives should also enhance transparency and accountability in fund utilization.
Epidemic preparedness is another area of focus in our quest to achieve health security. Recent global health crises underscore the urgency for legislative frameworks that enhance resilience at national and subnational levels. Proactive measures are essential to empower our healthcare systems to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging health threats.
Technological advancements offer unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize healthcare delivery. We must provide support to the executive arms of government to advance technology and also systems for generating and managing data that is accurate and useful. Artificial Intelligence (AI), data governance, and telemedicine are at the forefront of this global transformation. As legislators, we must cultivate an enabling environment for these innovations to contribute positively to the improvement of health outcomes in Nigeria.
Telemedicine serves as a vital lifeline, particularly in remote and underserved regions, bridging healthcare gaps through digital platforms. Our legislative agenda must champion the expansion of telemedicine infrastructure, ensuring robust training and upholding rigorous regulatory standards.
Climate change poses an increasingly urgent health challenge, directly impacting public health through rising temperatures and extreme weather events. Legislative interventions must integrate climate resilience into healthcare policies, advocating for sustainable practices and infrastructure to mitigate these effects.
In conclusion, as we convene for deliberations in the days ahead, let us be guided by the principles of accountability, transparency, and innovation. Together, let us strive to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for every Nigerian, regardless of their socio-economic status.
I am confident that the outcomes of this summit will set a course towards a healthier Nigeria. Together, we can achieve Universal Health Coverage and foster a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system.
Thank you, and I eagerly anticipate the constructive discussions and actionable outcomes that will propel our shared vision forward.
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