FG inaugurates committees for 67th National Council on Health, demands result-oriented recommendations

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has inaugurated sub-committees ahead of the 67th Regular National Council on Health (NCH), urging members to ensure that their recommendations are evidence-based, practical and focused on improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The ministry said this on Thursday during the inaugural meeting of the sub-committees in Abuja.

The 67th NCH is scheduled to hold from 16 to 20 November in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The council, which will bring together key stakeholders across the federal and state health sectors, will be held under the theme, “From Commitment to Results: Delivering Quality and Equitable Healthcare for All Nigerians.”

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kachollom Daju, at the meeting, the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, John Ovuoraye, described the NCH as a critical platform for policy dialogue, coordination and decision-making in Nigeria’s health sector.

Daju said the Technical Committee and its subcommittees play an important role in preparing recommendations for the council’s consideration.

“The quality of the work produced by these sub-committees will have a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the recommendations that will be presented to the National Council on Health,” she said.

She urged members to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, professionalism and objectivity.

Daju also called for an open-minded approach to the assignments and constructive engagement between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nasarawa State Local Organising Committee.

According to her, members’ participation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system and improving Nigerians’ health and well-being.

Nasarawa promises collaboration

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Shekwonugaza Gwamna, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Hassan, welcomed participants to the meeting.

Mr Hassan reaffirmed the state’s readiness to work with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure a successful 67th NCH.

He said the inaugural meeting provided an opportunity for the state’s Local Organising Committee to present the progress made so far, receive guidance from the federal ministry and strengthen preparations for the council.

He thanked members for their commitment and wished them productive deliberations as preparations for the event continue.

Key areas of preparation

The meeting considered several issues relating to preparations for the council, including the formal inauguration of the sub-committees and clarification of the roles and responsibilities of their chairmen and members.

Members also reviewed and worked towards finalising the logo for the 67th NCH, as well as the format and timely submission of memoranda by states.

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The meeting was attended physically by officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while members of the Nasarawa State Local Organising Committee participated virtually.

The 67th NCH is expected to deliberate on major health priorities and develop actionable recommendations to improve the quality, equity, and responsiveness of healthcare delivery across Nigeria.