Salako, who observed that smart spending for health is an essential element of sustainable financing to ensure more cost effectiveness, equally said that local manufacturing, pool procurement, effective deployment of digital technology and so on, are part of strategies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to make Nigerians have access to qualitative healthcare services.
The Minister stated these in his address at the 37th Commonwealth Ministers of Health Meeting, held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Speaking further, Salako noted that the theme of the meeting "Investing in Health: Sustainable Financing for an Equitable Commonwealth” is very apt and timely, particularly with the focus of financing the healthcare services in the Commonwealth countries.
He informed the meeting that the current administration in Nigeria under the leadership of President Tinubu is treating health as an urgent matter of human rights for all Nigerians.
The Minister explained that the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) which is an essential part of the Renewed Hope Agenda is being implemented using the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp).
This, he pointed out, has increased investment in health with emphasis on improving domestic financing, improved population health outcome, unlocking the healthcare values chains and investing in health security.
"We have increased infrastructural investment in the tertiary health facilities, revitalizing our primary healthcare facilities in the country in conjunction with the sub national governments in Nigeria.
"We have introduced routine HPV vaccination for girls 9-14 years old and less than 2 years has immunized more than 12 million girls achieving a coverage rate of about 71%. Our routine immunization strategy is being invigorated for improved coverage.
"Our Innovative financing efforts cover increased investment to ring-fence against catastrophic health conditions like cancers, chronic kidney diseases. We are implementing Social Action Funds to empower communities to implement health promotion projects.
"Local manufacturing of essential medicines is on the rise with the presidential initiatives on unlocking the healthcare value chains as more production plants are established and built through overseas partnerships with local pharma industries.
"Nigeria is putting mechanisms in place for local production of insecticide treated nets, Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), Anti Retroval Drugs, RDTs and in the process of vaccine production. We are increasing the penetration of digital technology in our health system through the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative". Salako stated.
While urging the Commonwealth to continue to work in unison for the well being of the member countries and their people as they pledge their continuing support for sustainable health financing in the Commonwealth, the Minister congratulated the new Secretary General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her assumption of office.
