By Adesewa Oyinloye
The Federal Government has coopted Health Sector Reform Coalition Nigeria (HSRC) in the implementation of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme(NHSRIP).
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate who made the disclosure at a meeting the HSRC, spoke about the government’s resolution to form synergy with the Coalition to drive the health sector reform.
According to the Minister, the Health Sector Reform process is a journey that includes CSOs. He said the Ministry would partner with HSRC “all through the journey”
In his remarks, the Chairman of HSRC, Dr. Muhammad Lecky, outlined roles which the CSOs would play in the reform to include; strengthening accountability in the implementation of SWAp by “holding all parties accountable for the compact to improve population health outcome and focusing on policy advocacy, local and grassroots reach”
Lecky added that the group would among other raise public awareness through community engagement, amplifying community voices in national agenda and so on.
He further explained that the Coalition plans to evaluate the status of implementation of the National Health Act and convene a policy dialogue to commemorate 10 years of the enactment of the Health Act.
The Chairman informed the Minister that the Coalition is committed to providing technical support for a clear articulation of the implications of the Supreme Court judgment for PHC development in the country.
The HSRC commended the Minister for the progress made so far in implementing his NHSRIP agenda particularly on the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint to revamp the sector.
In a related development, HSRC is partnering with the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) to convene a policy dialogue on Nigeria health security legal and accountability frameworks.
The dialogue seeks to build consensus and articulate citizen-led advocacy for policy reforms and efficient financing for health security in Nigeria
