FG targets Equity, Innovation as Health Leaders gather for 66th NCH Meeting in Calabar

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through reforms that prioritize equity, resilience, and innovation.

This reaffirmation was made on Monday during the opening of the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) in Calabar, Cross River State.

Speaking at the technical session, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said Nigeria had intensified efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, reform supply chain systems, improve accountability, and enhance data availability for evidence-based decision-making.

The meeting, themed “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation,” brought together key health policymakers from across the country.

The NCH served as Nigeria’s highest decision-making body on health matters, providing a platform for collaboration among federal and state health authorities, development partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

Chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, alongside commissioners of health from all 36 states and the FCT, the council regularly aims to review national health issues and develop strategies that would shape the country’s healthcare direction.

Kachollom, who also chaired the Technical Session, highlighted the ministry’s ongoing reforms across primary healthcare, human resources for health, and supply chain management.

She emphasized the relevance of the newly approved Health Workforce Migration Policy, which aims to address gaps in Nigeria’s health workforce and improve service delivery nationwide.

She stressed the need for policies that keep Nigerian citizens at the center of all decisions and expressed confidence that discussions at the meeting would further strengthen the foundations of a resilient and trusted health system.

“The comprehensive agenda before this 66th Council underscores our commitment to building a resilient, efficient, and inclusive health system,” she said. “We fully recognize the challenges ahead, yet we are confident in our collective ability to drive meaningful change.”

Kachollom also expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for hosting the meeting and acknowledged the contributions of ministry officials, organizing committees, and development partners who continue to support Nigeria’s health sector reforms.

In his welcome address, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He noted that achieving UHC requires not only financial access but also an adequately staffed workforce, quality medicines, and functional health infrastructure.

Ayuk emphasized that the decisions made during the council meeting had significant implications for improving health outcomes, safeguarding human rights, and preventing poverty caused by medical expenses.

“This session of the NCH should inch us closer to Universal Health Coverage,” he said. “Our expectation is that this technical session develops memos that enhance access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.”

The 66th NCH would continue deliberations produce policy recommendations which would align with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2023–2027, to ensure Nigeria remained on track toward achieving equitable and accessible healthcare for all.