FG To Strengthen Specialist Medical Training For Effective Healthcare Delivery
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, says the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening specialist medical training, healthcare delivery and health security in Nigeria.
The Minister stated this at the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) in Abuja.
He highlighted the College’s five decades of contributions to postgraduate medical education, research and the development of specialist physicians across West Africa.
The event, themed “Celebrating a Legacy, Envisioning the Future,” marked the college’s Golden Jubilee which provided an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and chart a course for the future of medical practice in the region.
Prof. Pate said the Tinubu administration had undertaken reforms to improve healthcare infrastructure, expand health insurance coverage, strengthen primary healthcare and invest in the health workforce. He disclosed that more than 30,000 healthcare professionals had been recruited into federal health facilities over the past two and a half years, adding that the government was supporting the training of frontline health workers, strengthening specialist institutions and expanding medical education capacity. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital innovation and the use of artificial intelligence, with appropriate safeguards, to improve healthcare delivery.
On Regional health security, the Minister stressed the need for stronger disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and cross-border collaboration to prevent and contain infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola.
He called for sustained investment in public health institutions and closer cooperation among West African countries and international partners towards achieving an Ebola-free region.
Prof. Pate further pledged continued federal government support for postgraduate medical education and specialist capacity development, while urging the WACP and its partners to strengthen collaboration, embrace innovation and build resilient health systems for future generations.
