The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammed Pate, has emphasized the need to expand access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
Pate made the remarks on Friday during the inauguration of the prototype building of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Owerri.
“The health insurance programme will significantly improve the quality of life for Nigerians, enabling them to lead healthier and more productive lives,” he said.
He commended the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, for driving efforts to improve access to quality healthcare in the state, while urging other state governments to replicate similar initiatives.
Pate also encouraged the governor to continue complementing federal government efforts with his developmental strides in the health sector.
He praised the Director-General of NHIA, Mr Kelechi Ohiri, for ensuring that the authority delivers on its mandate in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In his address, Governor Uzodimma noted that commissioning the building would strengthen the health sector in Imo State and foster closer collaboration between the state and the national health insurance programme.
He added that the NHIA’s mandate would help reduce financial hardship and bring healthcare closer to communities across the state.
The minister called for enhanced collaboration with NHIA and urged the DG to ensure that healthcare services remain accessible to all residents.
Earlier, NHIA DG Ohiri reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has financial access to quality healthcare.
He added that efforts were ongoing to provide affordable insurance coverage and to expand access to healthcare nationwide.
Ohiri also commended NHIA staff for their dedication to achieving the goal of expanded access to quality healthcare in the state.
