The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has emphasised that investing in healthcare is crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

Mr Pate underscored that healthcare investment was not solely the federal government’s responsibility but a collective effort that included states and non-state actors.

“It is not only the federal government’s responsibility; states and global partners can do more. Non-state actors can also encourage others to prioritise greater investment, as good health is not achieved cheaply.

“Quality healthcare is not inexpensive, and for every investment made in health, the returns are far greater,” he said.

He highlighted that investments in healthcare would bring considerable dividends.

“For instance, a $1 investment in combating Tuberculosis yields $43 in return, while $1 spent on immunisation generates multiple returns. By preventing pneumonia, we save both money and lives, which significantly impacts the economy,” he said.

Regarding the federal government’s efforts toward UHC, Mr Pate noted that the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII) had already been positively impacted.

However, he acknowledged that the country still had a long way to go regarding healthcare delivery.

According to him, over the past year, 238 facilities have been upgraded to functional level two, with an additional 320 facilities currently undergoing upgrades.

He said states have also taken the initiative to upgrade 2,600 facilities using impact funds, and the Project Hope programme was providing incentives to upgrade another 2,000 facilities.

“More than 8,000 facilities are receiving direct funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund across all 36 states,” he explained. “Additionally, two million people have been enrolled in health insurance in the past year.”

The Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, encouraged health workers to continue advancing the health system and called for greater public education on saving for healthcare.

He emphasised that saving for health was essential, like saving for car repairs.

Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organisation’s country representative to Nigeria, stated that UHC was a political choice.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in UHC reforms, particularly his focus on sustainable and innovative financing.

“If Nigeria delivers on UHC, it will have a domino effect on Africa and the world,” he said.

Dave Conalogue, co-chair of Health Development Partners in Nigeria, highlighted the positive changes brought about by development partners.

He emphasised their increasing support for government systems, including pooling resources and providing on-budget support to strengthen healthcare delivery.

UHC Day focuses on the critical role of financial protection in advancing progress towards UHC.

(NAN)