The Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee as part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Bola Ajao, Special Assistant on Media to the HSES Mandate Secretary, Adedolapo Fasawe, revealed that the inauguration took place on Tuesday, February 4.

It said the initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader plan to recruit health fellows nationwide.

It further recalled that in January, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of the National Health Fellows Programme.

The programme, it said, aimed to engage young Nigerian fellows across all 774 local government areas in a sector-wide approach to improve healthcare.

Ms Fasawe, during the committee inauguration, described the initiative as a strategic investment in human resources for health.

She emphasised that it was part of the Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, designed to recruit young talents and early-career professionals as leaders in the health sector.

The mandate secretary further highlighted that the federal government was committed to upgrading and establishing primary healthcare centres nationwide.

She noted that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of the minister, Nyesom Wike, is also focused on providing a robust healthcare system for the people of Abuja.

Ms Fasawe added that the newly recruited fellows would be integral in overseeing activities at PHC facilities, offering valuable feedback to the government, and performing other essential tasks to improve the healthcare system.

She urged the committee members to ensure a diligent, fair, and impartial selection process to identify the most qualified candidates.

She said, “The selected fellows will undergo comprehensive training in leadership, public health, financial management, problem-solving, and monitoring and evaluation to achieve the programme’s goals.’’

The Permanent Secretary of HSES and Vice Chairman of the committee, Baba-Gana Adams, commended Mr Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to strengthening the health sector.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute toward achieving universal health coverage and addressing health challenges in the FCT and nationwide.

It also quoted the FCT State Coordinator for the World Health Organisation, Kumshida Balami, explaining that the programme was housed under the Sector Wide Action Plan (SWAP) Secretariat in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

She outlined WHO guidelines to ensure smooth coordination and confirmed the establishment of the National Health Fellows Selection Committee, which would oversee the selection process and submit a semi-final list of candidates.

The statement also listed the members of the selection committee: Dan Gadzama, Teresa Nwachukwu (SWAP desk officer), Aderonke Akande, Maimuna Abdullahi, and Danladi Chiya.

It said the inauguration marked a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system by fostering a new generation of health leaders and ensuring improved healthcare service delivery across the country.

(NAN)