Nigeria’s quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is facing growing threats as stakeholders in the health sector warn that worsening insecurity, a shortage of healthcare workers, inadequate funding and weak legal backing continue to undermine access to quality healthcare across the country.
The concerns were raised on Saturday during the 4th Annual Scientific Conference of the College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), themed “Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: Overcoming Access and Workforce Gap in the Face of Insecurity.”
Participants at the conference noted that insecurity has made it increasingly difficult for healthcare professionals to work in many communities, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas, leaving millions of Nigerians with limited or no access to essential medical services.
They also expressed concern over the persistent migration of doctors, nurses and other health professionals abroad in search of better opportunities, describing the trend as a major setback to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
According to the stakeholders, poor investment in the health sector, inadequate infrastructure and weak constitutional provisions that fail to guarantee healthcare as a fundamental right have further slowed progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.
They stressed that addressing these challenges requires increased government funding, stronger healthcare policies, improved security and deliberate efforts to retain skilled medical personnel within the country.
The stakeholders warned that unless urgent and sustained action is taken, Nigeria may struggle to meet its Universal Health Coverage targets, leaving millions of citizens—particularly vulnerable populations—with limited access to affordable and quality healthcare.
ALSO READ:Tinubu Has a Message for Nigerian Health Workers Overseas
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
