BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI, ABUJA
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy is a significant milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Professor Pate, who stated this during the Inaugural Quarterly Performance Dialogue with State Commissioners of Health, in Abuja on Monday, emphasised the judgment’s potential to transform healthcare delivery in the countr
Recall that on 11 July, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that all federal allocations to the local government areas in the country must be paid directly into their accounts, which gives financial autonomy to the local governments.
The minister highlighted that local government autonomy could align all levels of government towards a unified approach to healthcare delivery, stating that this fund would be managed by the state, but with an agreement of the local governments to implement fully the Primary Health Care under one roof.
Professor Pate noted that local governments, being closer to the people, can work effectively with state governments, while the Federal Government coordinates all efforts, pointing out that before 2011, primary healthcare responsibilities were fragmented between the states, leading to poor performance in areas like immunization and maternal health outcomes.
He stressed the importance of cooperative federalism, where all levels of government and development partners work together, raising grant resources and providing incentives for state contributions.
The minister stated that with this development, even LGs would be required to step up and we will measure each other’s performance and Nigerians should be able to tell which state, which LG is doing its part, noting that the Supreme Court’s judgment encourages authorities to collaborate effectively to govern a complex health system with shared responsibilities.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the health of mothers, children, and the most vulnerable in society, ensuring continued progress in the healthcare sector.