The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has called on private sector players to increase investments in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, stressing that government efforts alone cannot adequately meet the country’s growing healthcare needs.
Pate made the appeal during the commissioning of the Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea Medical Center in Ewatto, Esan Central District of Edo State.
He described private sector participation as vital to strengthening healthcare delivery, improving access to quality medical services and supporting ongoing reforms in the sector.
The minister urged high-net-worth individuals and corporate organisations to complement government initiatives by investing in healthcare infrastructure, equipping medical facilities and supporting the supply of essential medical commodities.
He highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to improving primary healthcare through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in partnership with state and local governments.
Pate also commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for collaborating with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to revitalise primary healthcare services and expand health insurance coverage in the state.
According to the minister, increased investment in healthcare would not only improve public health outcomes but also boost economic productivity by ensuring that farmers, teachers and other workers remain healthy and productive.
He further described the establishment of the Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea Medical Center as a commendable example of how private sector intervention can support government efforts to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system.
