President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the setting up of a health sector reform committee to begin the development and implementation of a health sector reform programme for Nigeria, in collaboration with state governments and the administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This came about as a result of a health sector diagnostic review report developed by a consultant, Vesta Healthcare Partners and the Federal Ministry of Health.
In a statement on Monday, September 6, 2021, Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, said that the committee would undertake a review of all healthcare reforms adopted in the past two decades, and lessons learnt and factor them into the development of the new reform programme.
With the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as the chairman, the committee, set up for a period of six months, has members drawn from private and public sector health care management professionals, development partners, representatives from the National Assembly as well as the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.
Other members are: governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Director General BPE Mr. Alex Okoh; a Professor in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London and Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health, Prof Ibrahim Abubakar; Director General, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council Mr Babatunde Irukera; Senator( Dr) Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe; Dr. Adedamola Dada; Dr. Sani Aliyu; Dr. Mairo Mandara; Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya; Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Professor Uche Amazigbo; Dr Faisal Shuaib; Prof Nasiru Sambo; Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa and Dr Gambo Aliyu.
Others in the committee are: (Chairman Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum representing National Council on Health), Dr Betta Edu; President Nigeria Medial Association; President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; President National Association of Nigeria Nurses & Midwives; President Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria; Mrs Temi Marcella Awogboro; Dr. Muhammad Sadiq; Dr. Azubike Tagbo and World Health Organization, Nigeria.
Vesta Healthcare Partners as well as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are to serve as resource persons and have observer roles in the committee.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has also approved the appointment of Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa as the new Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The President also named him as a member of the health reform committee.
