The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has unveiled a renewed commitment to enhancing patient experiences in hospitals and prioritizing preventive healthcare as cornerstones of Nigeria’s health sector reforms.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Dr. Salako emphasized the ministry’s focus on ensuring healthcare services are human-centered and impactful.
“Everything we do, from building hospitals to employing healthcare professionals, is ultimately aimed at improving the health of Nigerians,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of patient dignity, Dr. Salako stressed that a hospital visit should leave individuals feeling respected, regardless of the outcome. “If Nigerians visit our hospitals and do not receive top-notch service or courteous care, then our efforts and resources are misdirected,” he remarked.
The minister disclosed that the federal government has allocated close to ₦2.5 trillion for critical health sector interventions, including hiring medical personnel, procuring ambulances, and constructing healthcare facilities. However, he noted that these investments must lead to measurable improvements in patient care and health outcomes.
To ensure accountability, Dr. Salako announced a shift in evaluation criteria for health institution leaders. “We will no longer focus on outputs like the number of buildings constructed or equipment procured. Instead, we will assess the impact of these infrastructures on patient care and health outcomes,” he explained.
He also underscored the importance of preventive healthcare, saying, “Prevention is better than cure, and this will be a significant area of emphasis in our plans for the coming year.” The ministry aims to launch initiatives to reduce disease prevalence and promote public health awareness.
Dr. Salako acknowledged the vital role of the media in driving these reforms. “We depend on the media for feedback and for fostering a consultative approach to policy implementation,” he said, pledging to strengthen engagement with journalists to ensure robust information dissemination and public trust.
Drawing on his personal experiences of receiving high-quality care in modest settings, Dr. Salako stressed that the quality of service, not the size of facilities, should be the benchmark for healthcare delivery.
He assured stakeholders of the ministry’s dedication to a holistic approach that bridges existing gaps and aligns with the “Health Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Together, we can build a healthcare system that not only saves lives but also restores dignity to every Nigerian seeking care,” Dr. Salako concluded.
