Federal Government Takes Drastic Action Against Non-Performing CMDs

In a bold move to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services to Nigerians, the Federal Government has warned that drastic actions will be taken against Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of non-performing tertiary health institutions nationwide.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, made this statement during the third edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Series (MPBS) in Abuja, emphasizing that the focus of the CMDs should be on providing healthcare services to Nigerians in a respectful manner.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government has made significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to enhance the capacity of these institutions to deliver specialized medical services.

This includes the establishment of oncology centers, radiology centers, and diagnostics facilities in 12 tertiary hospitals/centres.

Despite these efforts, some health workers still face challenges, and the ministry is working to remedy them.

CMDs have been instructed to ensure that gunshot victims are treated immediately without having to present a police report.

The Federal Government has also increased the proportion of women who attend Ante-Natal Care (ANC), with over 550,000 women now attending their first ANC and receiving the necessary information and care to improve their pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.

In the last six months, the government has recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives/nurses, and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to bridge the gaps in healthcare personnel.

Additionally, 1,400 health facilities now have Skilled Birth Attendants, increasing the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.

To expand health insurance coverage, the Federal Government has supported enrollment initiatives and streamlined administrative processes, extending coverage to millions of Nigerians.

Since the beginning of the administration, about 750,000 more Nigerians have been enrolled in health insurance.

The government has also taken decisive action to address the rising cost of pharmaceuticals, with plans to issue an executive order in the short term and work towards the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years.

To further strengthen the pharmaceutical infrastructure, the construction of pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in 21 states is underway, in collaboration with Drug Management Agencies.

The implementation of the Warehousing Management Information System (WMIS) – M Supply, in these 21 pharma-grade warehouses, is expected to significantly enhance accountability and transparency, ensuring the potency of public health medicines and other health commodities.

In a significant development, the Federal Government has led the development of the maiden National Policy on Cosmetics Safety in Nigeria, which will guide the production and safe use of cosmetics in the country.

The Federal Government remains committed to advancing the health and well-being of every Nigerian and is steadfast in its resolve to build a healthier, more resilient nation, collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to achieve its shared vision of a thriving healthcare system for all.