Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of Nigeria, recently announced that the federal government's health sector reforms have attracted over $4.8 billion in potential investments, underscoring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to revitalizing Nigeria's healthcare system. This announcement came during the commissioning and grand opening of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja, where Shettima outlined a comprehensive strategy to address the long-standing challenges that have hindered the country’s healthcare sector.

During the event, Shettima emphasized the need for unity in tackling healthcare issues in Nigeria. “Our health sector calls upon us all to unite. The promise of this day is one we cannot overlook. It is through such collaboration and shared dedication that we can guarantee every Nigerian receives the care and support they deserve,” he declared. This sentiment highlights the necessity for collective efforts to enhance healthcare across the nation.

Shettima elaborated on the ambitious reforms currently underway, which aim to address persistent healthcare problems. “These reforms are anchored on a comprehensive roadmap designed to address longstanding challenges, and central to this are four key pillars: transforming healthcare governance, improving population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security,” he stated.

In discussing the government's strategy, Shettima acknowledged various initiatives launched by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. “We have set out to achieve this by boosting domestic production of essential medical supplies and drugs, and by strengthening primary healthcare through the doubling of fully functional centres across the nation,” he noted. This focus on domestic production aims to reduce reliance on imports and enhance the sustainability of the healthcare system.

Despite these efforts, Shettima recognized that significant challenges persist. He expressed concern that Nigerians continue to face pressing healthcare issues such as rising medicine costs, long hospital waiting times, and a shortage of health workers. He emphasized that the full impact of the reforms, particularly in enhancing access to quality healthcare, relies heavily on private sector involvement. “Our private sector is a critical part of the solution, especially in the face of the long-standing brain drain among our medical workforce,” he explained.

Shettima highlighted that investing in the health sector not only engages the talents and skills of citizens but also creates numerous job opportunities for graduates and technicians. “Investing in the health sector engages the talents and skills of our citizens, generating numerous job opportunities for graduates and technicians. This is a notable aspect of our national development narrative,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of job creation in addressing unemployment and improving economic prospects.

The Vice President revealed that the National Economic Council (NEC), which he chairs, has prioritized investments in developing Nigeria's human capital, particularly in health and nutrition. “Each of our state governors is fully on board. We have all acknowledged that no nation can optimize its opportunities without investing in its healthcare, and for us, this is only the beginning,” he assured, indicating a unified approach among state governors toward improving healthcare.

Shettima also recognized the contributions of Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, the Chairman and Founder of Sahad Group of Companies, recalling his intervention when Sahad Stores Ltd was temporarily closed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). “When the FCCPC locked up his store, I had to call the head of the agency to say, ‘Please, reopen the store before you come and tell me what happened’,” he recounted, showcasing the Vice President's support for businesses that positively impact the community.

Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, expressed gratitude to Mijinyawa for his philanthropic work and commitment to serving underserved populations. He hopes that Sahad Hospitals will cater to both high- and low-income Nigerians, urging hospital authorities to collaborate with NGOs financing medical services for the less privileged. Such partnerships are essential for ensuring that quality healthcare reaches all segments of the population.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, noted the significance of the commissioning of the 200-bedded Sahad Hospital, stating that it marks a new chapter in Nigerian healthcare. He emphasized that Mijinyawa's commitment represents a bold step in complementing government efforts to enhance quality healthcare for citizens. “The challenges of healthcare services today are multifaceted, requiring more innovative efforts from both the government and private sector,” he concluded.