The Federal Government has expressed concern over the low allocation and release of funds for the health sector, stating that Nigeria is far below where it should be in terms of investment in healthcare.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, made this statement in an interview on Channels TV on Wednesday.
Pate acknowledged that some states had increased their health budget allocations, but expressed disappointment that the funds allocated were often not released on time.
He said, “I think all of us recognize health is so fundamental and states need to move up in terms of the allocation, we are far below where we should be.
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“Federal Government is moving up, some states have increased the allocation but have not released over the years what they have even budgeted.
“So the political prioritization implies that the budget is increased but also the releases are not timely to the institutions in the respective states.”
On health workers who stay in Nigeria, Pate expressed his appreciation for their dedicated service across the country.
He acknowledged the difficult circumstances many faced in their work, particularly in rural areas, but highlighted their commitment to serving the population.
“Many more health workers that are staying serving in this country sometimes in not easy circumstances, sometimes facing challenging in their states, their villages and rural areas but they are still working hard to serve our population.
“So we appreciate those who are working hard to serve our population because at the end of day it is Nigerians that will fix this health care system and this country,” he added.
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