- Agency Report
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammed Pate, has underscored the need to expand access to quality healthcare for Nigerians.
Pate said this on Friday, at the inauguration of the prototype building of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Owerri.
“The health insurance programme would significantly improve the quality of lives of Nigerians, enabling them to lead healthier and more productive lives,” he said.
He commended the state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for driving efforts to improve access to quality healthcare in the state, while urging other states to do the same.
Pate also urged the governor to continue to complement government’s efforts at the Federal level, with his developmental strides.
He went on to commend the Director General (DG) of the NHIA, Mr Kelechi Ohiri, for ensuring that the authority delivers on its mandate in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In his address, Gov. Uzodimma noted that the commissioning of the building will strengthen the health sector in the state, and also forge stronger communion between the state and the national health insurance programme.
He added that the mandate of NHIA will help to reduce financial hardship and bring healthcare closer to the people, especially in the communities.
The minister also called for better collaboration with NHIA, while urging the DG to ensure that healthcare remains accessible in the state.
Earlier, the NHIA DG, assured of his commitment to delivering on the mandate to ensure that every Nigerian enjoys financial access to good quality healthcare.
He added that all hands were on deck, to ensure that there is affordable insurance coverage, and that access to healthcare is achieved.
Ohiri commended the staff of the NHIA for their dedication in achieving the goal of expanded access to quality healthcare in the state. NAN