The federal government has called for increased collaboration with local government leaders to enhance primary healthcare delivery across Nigeria. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the importance of local governments in achieving national health coverage.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Pate highlighted the critical role local governments play in maintaining a well-functioning primary healthcare (PHC) system.
“We greatly appreciated their openness and constructive engagement. We explored the critical role that local governments play in ensuring a well-functioning primary healthcare system in Nigeria,” Pate said.
He underscored the 2014 National Health Act (NHA), which aims to establish a national health system that delineates responsibilities across federal, state, and local levels. Local governments are essential in providing basic health services, addressing common health challenges, and promoting preventive care.
The meeting also served as a platform to discuss the federal government’s sector-wide health compact program, designed to ensure coherence and collaboration among all levels of government.
Pate noted that recent developments regarding local government autonomy necessitate more engagement between the federal government and local governments.
“The Compact is facilitating a coordinated approach to healthcare delivery, aligning efforts and resources to achieve common health goals. While local governments have been part of the Compact from the onset, recent developments have made their role even more robust and impactful,” he said.