The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has constituted 12 sub-committees to oversee preparations for the 76th regular National Council on Health (NCH) meeting scheduled to be held in Lafia in November.

Dr Gaza Gwamna, the commissioner for health, while inaugurating the committees on Friday in Lafia, said the event would bring together health professionals and stakeholders from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Gwamna, who also serves as chairman of the central working committee, described the NCH meeting as the highest decision-making body in the country’s health sector.

The commissioner said key policies and programmes would be deliberated upon at the meeting to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.

According to Mr Gwamna, although the meeting is scheduled for November, the state government deemed it necessary to establish the sub-committees early to ensure seamless planning and coordination.

He explained that the committees would oversee critical areas, including logistics, security, accommodation, publicity, and medical services.

 “The National Council on Health is a high-level platform where critical decisions on healthcare delivery are made.

“The meeting is convened annually to review progress and set directions for health programmes, and our state has been given the hosting right this year.

“Nasarawa State is committed to providing a conducive environment for robust discussions and outcomes that will benefit the health sector nationwide,” he said.

The commissioner noted that hosting the meeting would also provide the state with an opportunity to showcase its investments in healthcare infrastructure and attract stronger collaboration with federal agencies and development partners.

Mr Gwamna commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for approving and supporting the hosting of the national event, assuring that Nasarawa would set a new standard among states that had previously hosted the meeting.

Also speaking, Dr Ibrahim Alhassan, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, said members of the committees were drawn from various ministries as well as federal and state agencies.

He added that the committee members were carefully selected based on their competence, expertise, and experience to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Responding on behalf of the inaugurated committees, Dr Egdego Egba, chief medical director of the Hospital Management Board, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and pledged their commitment to ensuring a successful hosting of the event. 

(NAN)