From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to placing Nigerians at the centre of health policy and decision-making as the Technical Session of the 66th National Council on Health opened on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Deputy Director and Head of Information and Public Relations, Mr Alaba Balogun, who disclosed that the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, mni, officially declared the session open.
According to the statement, Kachollom said the 2025 NCH theme, “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience and Innovation,” reflects the government’s resolve to deepen citizen participation in health policy while accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
She described the technical session as the platform where evidence is reviewed and recommendations are developed for the Council.
The statement noted that the Permanent Secretary highlighted ongoing federal reforms in primary healthcare revitalisation, supply chain optimisation, human resources for health, and digital health expansion, including the newly approved Health Workforce Migration Policy.
She said the reforms are aimed at strengthening public trust and ensuring a more responsive health system.
It added that Kachollom urged participants to adopt practical and cost-effective recommendations aligned with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2023–2027.
“Our recommendations must be practical, cost-effective and aligned with national health priorities,” she said.
In his remarks, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, said hosting the 66th NCH offers an opportunity for states to accelerate efforts toward equitable healthcare.
He stressed that decisions reached at the meeting will have long-term implications for improving health outcomes and reducing inequality.
The technical sessions continue in Calabar with the review of memos and policy proposals expected to guide national health reforms into 2026 and subsequent years.
