Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has urged increased collaboration between the government and private sector to advance the country’s health sector. This appeal was made during the first anniversary of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital’s permanent site at Nnewi/Oraifite.
Reaffirming the federal government’s dedication to providing quality healthcare under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Pate called on affluent citizens and private organizations to contribute towards the transformation of the health sector. He emphasized that such efforts would benefit all Nigerians, especially those who struggle to access quality healthcare.
Addressing health workers at NAUTH and other facilities, Pate stressed the importance of dedication and quality service delivery. He urged the state government to regulate health workers’ activities to eliminate quacks exploiting vulnerable patients.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, reiterated his administration’s commitment to quality healthcare. He highlighted achievements such as employing 3,000 health workers and upgrading health centers. Soludo praised the federal government’s interventions at NAUTH and requested further support.
NAUTH’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Joseph Ugboaja, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s assistance and urged for additional support to address the hospital’s needs, including more infrastructure and staff.
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum, Mr. Peter Nwosu, who donated a vehicle to the hospital, highlighted that healthcare provision is a shared responsibility. He commended Governor Soludo’s efforts in the health sector.
The event featured award presentations and the commissioning of structures named after notable contributors to the NAUTH permanent site, including Sir Emeka Offor, Traditional Ruler of Nnewi Igwe Kenneth Orizu, and Chief Cletus Ibeto.
