FG assures of improved healthcare system

Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, affirmed the federal government’s dedication to improving the country’s healthcare system during his inaugural visit to the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos. He expressed President Bola Tinubu’s determination to enhance and rejuvenate the healthcare system to provide sustainable, high-quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

While at NIMR, the minister acknowledged the institute’s work and available equipment, emphasising that funding issues and staff shortages would be addressed to enhance its capacity.

Dr. Alausa praised the institute’s capabilities, suggesting it could accommodate postdoctoral fellowships, thereby facilitating advanced research. He envisioned NIMR welcoming up to 300 postdoctoral fellows within the next couple of years, contributing to extensive research beneficial to Nigeria’s healthcare.

Under the new administration, research and support are expected to play a significant role in healthcare development.Prof. Babatunde Salako, Director-General of NIMR, was optimistic about the visit’s potential positive outcomes. He acknowledged that many ministers had experience in countries like the U.S., where research and education were highly prioritised.

Salako believed this experience would lead to an improvement in research funding. He further emphasized the importance of advocacy to influence decision-making processes and secure more research budget allocations.

This statement from the Minister of State for Health underlines the Nigerian government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the nation’s healthcare system, addressing challenges like funding and staff shortages, and fostering a climate of research and development. It demonstrates the government’s intention to provide quality healthcare services to the Nigerian populace.