Investing in Health: APC Medical Council Convenes Stakeholders on Sustainable Health Financing
By Aishat J. Ahmad
The APC Medical Council convened its National Health Convention and Strategic Round Table Discussions on strengthening Nigeria’s health system,with theme Of Investing in Health: Building a sustainable Healthcare System in Nigeria And sub-theme on strengthening Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage and improving healthcare workforce welfare.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the APC Medical Council, Dr. Samuel A. Adetoye, stressed that no nation can achieve sustainable development without deliberate and consistent investment in healthcare, particularly women’s health.
He commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as structural reforms that place women’s health at the centre of national development, noting that the creation of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health marked a significant policy shift.
“Women’s health is not an output of development; it is the foundation of it. We chose structure over symbolism and systems over slogans,” he said.
Adetoye further underscored the importance of revitalising primary healthcare infrastructure, strengthening funding mechanisms, enhancing workforce capacity and promoting accountability as essential pillars for achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Former APC National Chairman and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, called for deeper collaboration among government institutions, development partners and healthcare stakeholders to drive sustainable progress in the sector.
He described the APC Medical Council as a bridge between policy formulation and professional expertise, urging health practitioners to contribute actively to governance and ensure that deliberations translate into actionable and practical reforms.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Forum of Health Commissioners of Nigeria, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, reaffirmed the commitment of sub-national governments to strengthening Primary Health Care as the bedrock of an efficient and equitable health system.
He noted that revitalised PHC services are critical to expanding access, reducing inequalities and accelerating Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
The event also featured goodwill messages from the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, both of whom reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and other dignitaries enriched discussions with policy-driven insights on health security, innovative financing models, digital health integration, public-private partnerships and improved welfare for healthcare workers.
In her vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Dr. Fauziya Buba Idris, expressed appreciation to participants and partners whose contributions ensured the success of the convention.
The meeting concluded with its Annual General Meeting and a renewed collective resolve to translate dialogue into measurable action, reinforcing a shared national commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable healthcare system for all Nigerians.