Minister Applauds NMA on PPD research findings

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By Blessing Bature

The minister of State for Health, hon Ekumankama Joseph Nkama has on Tuesday applauded Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) for designing Public Private Policy Dialogue (PPD) for the dissemination of research findings on Patients’ satisfaction with services provided under the National Health Insurance Authority with sponsorship of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).

The minister disclosed this at the public private dialogue in Abuja.

Nkama said the PPD is a commendable effort as it provides an opportunity for feedback and engagement of stakeholders which will assist decision-makers on National health insurance policy in Nigeria using evidence provided through research studies such as this.

He also appreciate the efforts of the Center for Private Enterprise (CIPE) for the laudable initiative and for involving the Federal Ministry of Health to be part of this Private Public Dialogue (PPD).

“The complementary and collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and CIPE will go a long way in building synergy in strengthening the Nigerian healthcare system. The Federal Ministry of Health has a vision to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Nigerian citizens so that all will have access to quality, safe and comprehensive health care service that is affordable, accessible and acceptable”.

According to him, A strategic and sure way to achieve Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria is through social insurance which is operational as the National Health Insurance Scheme. This initiative has undergone several reforms since its inception to increase coverage and improve the accountability framework.

“Government will continue to evaluate and improve this scheme until we attain the goal of ‘health for all in Nigeria”. Moreover, we need to constantly and consistently monitor and evaluate our performance in order to identify the gaps for timely and appropriate intervention to improve access to essential and quality health services for Nigerians”.

“The FMOH is saddled with the responsibility of providing leadership for the health sector including policy formulation and implementation. However, the ministry cannot operate alone but needs all stakeholders in the health system to make contributions and unite in purpose and direction to improve health outcomes. Therefore, any effort toward building and strengthening the health system in Nigeria such as this public-private dialogue is welcome and must be applauded and emulated. We need collaboration such as this with NMA and CIPE to conduct research and recommend solutions to identified gaps”.