6m added to health insurance as Tinubu defends health agenda

President Bola Tinubu has outlined what he describes as significant achievements recorded by his administration in the health sector, maintaining that ongoing reforms are reshaping healthcare delivery and extending essential services to millions of Nigerians.

In a message posted on his X account on Wednesday, the President said his government had made the health sector a major priority since taking office, with efforts focused on improving access to quality care, expanding health insurance, strengthening medical personnel and modernising health facilities.

He stressed that healthcare should not be determined by a person’s location or financial status.

“Every Nigerian deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

“Since assuming office, our administration, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has embarked on one of the most ambitious and comprehensive transformations of our health sector in decades.

“We are revitalising Primary Healthcare Centres, expanding health insurance, protecting millions of children through immunisation, strengthening our health workforce, upgrading specialist hospitals, improving maternal and child health, and positioning Nigeria to become a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare investment.”

Tinubu said the reforms were already producing measurable results, pointing to improvements in health insurance coverage, primary healthcare services, vaccination campaigns and healthcare infrastructure.

“The progress is becoming evident: six million more Nigerians added to health insurance; 4,161 Primary Healthcare Centres under revitalisation, with 3,158 already completed; 14,283 PHCs, representing more than half of all PHCs in Nigeria, are now functional.

“More than 102 million children vaccinated against Measles-Rubella, and 17.1 million girls protected against cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine.

“Seventy-eight thousand and fifty-four frontline health workers trained, and 20,000 health professionals recruited into our Federal Tertiary Hospitals.

“Five hundred and three health infrastructure projects delivered nationwide, alongside the development of three world-class cancer centres.”

According to the President, the reforms are designed not only to address current healthcare challenges but also to establish a sustainable system capable of meeting the needs of future generations.

“These reforms are about saving lives today while building a stronger, more resilient health system for generations to come.

“The Nigeria Health Sector Impact Report below highlights some of the major milestones recorded so far under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

“I encourage you to read it. A healthier Nigeria is central to our Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are building a healthier, stronger and more prosperous nation, one reform, one community and one life at a time.

“Our work continues. The best days of Nigerian healthcare are still ahead of us,” the President said.