Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo state
In a much needed move to revolutionize healthcare across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Fellows Programme.
This groundbreaking initiative will see young Nigerian fellows deployed to all 774 local government areas, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Truth Live News gathered that Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, unveiled this transformative program in a statement on Monday. He buttressed President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to overhauling existing primary healthcare infrastructure and spearheading the construction of over 8,800 new primary healthcare centers nationwide. This ambitious endeavor aims to ensure accessible and high-quality healthcare delivery while introducing novel social accountability mechanisms.
Ngelale emphasized the pivotal role of these well-trained fellows, who will serve as fiduciary agents tasked with monitoring and evaluating the development and performance of Primary Healthcare Centers. Their diligence will be crucial in assessing the utilization of financial resources allocated to these centers, ensuring transparency and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
The fellowship program will be administered through the Sector Wide Approach (SWAP) coordination office under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. This strategic decision highlights the government’s holistic approach to healthcare reform, leveraging existing frameworks for maximum impact.
Central to the success of the National Health Fellows Programme is the recruitment, remuneration, and equipping of fellows with the necessary tools to effectively monitor and track the performance of Basic Health Care Provision Fund-supported health facilities nationwide. By empowering these individuals with specialized training and resources, the government is fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within the healthcare sector.
As Nigeria navigates the complexities of modern healthcare, President Tinubu’s visionary leadership shines through in initiatives like the National Health Fellows Programme. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and inclusivity, the government is poised to usher in a new era of healthcare excellence, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the quality care they deserve.