FG has hired 37,000 health workers since 2023

The federal government has hired at least 37,000 health workers in its health institutions since the beginning of 2023. This information comes from a statement by the health ministry.

Ado Bako, the Assistant Director for Information and Public Relations, signed the statement. He said that this recruitment, along with training for 70,000 frontline workers, aims to improve health services.

The government has also approved Nigeria's National Policy on Health Workforce Migration. This policy aims to tackle the issue of skilled health professionals leaving the country.

Mr Bako explained that the policy is meant to improve planning for the health workforce, keep workers in Nigeria, and promote ethical recruitment. He added, "These actions are supported by the National Health Workforce Registry and continued investments in specialist training and workforce development."

He also talked about progress made under the revised Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF 2.0). He described this fund as a major factor in better primary healthcare delivery.

According to him, the federal government has set aside N32.9 billion under this revised framework. This funding will support at least 8,300 Primary Health Centres. There is an ongoing plan to expand this to 13,000 facilities across the country.

He mentioned that the government's health reforms have led to 80 million patient visits. Over 21 million vulnerable Nigerians have received healthcare through the Vulnerable Groups Health Insurance Fund.

Additionally, he pointed out that disease surveillance and outbreak readiness are being improved through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, which falls under the BHCPF.

On the issue of access to medicines, the health ministry stated that the government is boosting local drug manufacturing through the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain.

Mr Bako said, "The objective is simple: strengthen local production, improve medicine security and make essential medicines more available and affordable for Nigerians."

The reforms also include investments in health infrastructure, maternal and newborn health, emergency preparedness, digital health systems, and accountability.

He noted that by the time of the 2025 Joint Annual Review, 84 percent of the key performance indicators under the Presidential Health Sector Renewal Compact would have been met.

He acknowledged that while many challenges remain, the government continues to pursue lasting reforms instead of ignoring the existing gaps.

He stated, "Nigeria's health sector still faces significant challenges, and the government has never claimed otherwise."

Mr Bako added, "Lasting reforms, however, are measured not by rhetoric, but by sustained action, transparent implementation and measurable results."

The statement confirmed the government's dedication to working with healthcare professionals, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and everyone else. The goal is to build a stronger and more resilient health system.

He concluded by saying, "Our mandate remains clear: save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and improve the health and well-being of all Nigerians."