Stakeholders call for review of health sector policies, input from CSOs

The Nigeria Universal Health Coverage (UHC) forum has called for a wholistic review of Nigeria’s health sector policy to allow for inputs from civil society and citizens.

The coalition of civil societies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) issued the request during a consultative meeting with Ali Pate, minister of health, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Friday.

The coalition expressed optimism that the accountability framework will be very useful if deployed to support the emerging policy thrusts from the minister.

Gafar Alawode, leader of the coalition, who doubles as the chairman of the health sector reform coalition (HSRC) health financing committee, said there is a need for re-examination of the health policy thrusts to determine where civil societies can make additional recommendations in terms of position papers.

Alawode said the coalition would like to have access to the details of the emerging policy thrust so that necessary recommendations can be made towards effective implementation.

At the consultative meeting, the coalition said health has become an integral part of development, and the relevance of the CSOs has been identified beyond the federal level.

The group also expressed willingness to take up the subject of accountability and transparency from the current status, seeking the support of the minister on this.

Alawode underscored the importance of a multi-sectoral approach, strategic collaboration and partnership for meaningful progress.