TRUMP’S ORDER A WAKE-UP CALL FOR NIGERIA TO FIX HEALTHCARE – MINISTER
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The Federal Ministry of Health has described a recent executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump on foreign aid as a wake-up call for Nigeria to strengthen its healthcare system and reduce dependency on international funding.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this assertion during an oversight visit to the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Ebute Metta, Lagos. He emphasised the need for strategic planning and domestic resource mobilisation to sustain critical health programs in light of anticipated cuts in U.S. and other international aid.
Speaking after a tour of FMC Ebute Metta, Salako expressed concerns over the expected reduction in foreign assistance.
“The executive orders being reviewed in the U.S. suggest that aid and grants to developing countries like Nigeria are likely to decrease. This is a wake-up call for us to rethink our strategies, exert ourselves, and work toward a more self-sufficient healthcare system,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the government is engaging key stakeholders, including United Nations bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Global Platform (UNGP), and the Global Forum, to explore collaborative solutions and expert recommendations.
Highlighting the impact on essential programmes like HIV treatment, which heavily relies on U.S. funding, he stressed the urgency of finding alternative revenue streams.
“We are exploring options such as crowdfunding while also increasing government funding for healthcare projects. It is imperative that we diversify our funding sources to avoid a crisis,” he noted.
He also called for continued global cooperation, stating that no country operates in isolation.
“The world is a global village. What happens in one country affects others. America cannot operate alone, just as Nigeria or any other country cannot. I believe reason will prevail, and the U.S. government will maintain its essential role in the global community. However, this is an opportunity for us to build a more independent and resilient healthcare system,”he concluded.
Commending the management and staff of FMC Ebute Metta, the minister described the facility as a “small body with a big engine” due to its efficient use of space, digital innovations, and quality medical equipment.
He praised the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR) system, emphasizing its potential as a model for other healthcare facilities under the Nigeria Digital Health Initiative.
“Our goal is to create a transparent system with one provider per geopolitical zone. The provider here is undergoing assessment and could be recommended for wider adoption,” he stated.
The minister lauded the hospital’s transition to a paperless system, calling it a significant step toward reducing medical tourism and improving healthcare delivery.
While scoring the hospital’s performance as “excellent,” he noted areas for improvement and pledged further discussions with the Medical Director to address them.
On the federal government’s efforts to improve cancer treatment, Salako highlighted initiatives such as the Cancer Health Fund, which supports cancer patients, and the Catastrophic Health Fund, which subsidises treatment for severe conditions, including kidney dialysis.
“Thanks to government intervention, dialysis costs have been reduced from ₦50,000 per session to ₦12,000. Expanding cancer treatment facilities and raising awareness remain high priorities,” he added.
Speaking on the hospital’s growth, the Medical Director of FMC Ebute Metta, Dr. Adedamola Dada, reflected on his tenure, describing it as a journey of resilience, vision, and dedication.
“For me, the motivation has always been to prove that improving healthcare in Nigeria is not rocket science. Nigerians can improve Nigeria, and I wanted to be part of that change,”he said.
When he assumed office, the hospital was a modest 72-bed facility with limited resources and a reputation for subpar service delivery.
“Today, we have 450 beds—a sevenfold increase—thanks to meticulous planning and efficient resource utilisation,”he noted.
He credited the transformation to a well-executed roadmap, which enabled the hospital to maximize its resources and serve more patients.
“The hospital’s infrastructure and capacity have also expanded significantly. Operating theatres increased from three to 12. Training programmes expanded from two departments to eight and annual patient load quadrupled from 50,000–60,000 to over 200,000, with approximately 4,000 new patients registered each month.”
He said under his leadership, FMC Ebute Metta became the first public health institution in Nigeria to attain Level 4 certification under the international SafeCare Assessment Programme.
“This achievement reflects not just the dedication of our workforce but also the trust of our patients. Our patients are happier today because we’ve improved the quality of care and streamlined their journey through the healthcare system,” he added.
On agitation by health workers, Dada acknowledged ongoing concerns over staff welfare and remuneration, stating that this remains a national issue.
“The Nigerian Medical Association, JOHESU, and other unions are engaging the federal government on these concerns. Beyond salaries, we must improve the overall quality of life for healthcare workers. If someone earns a high salary but spends most of it on housing, transportation, and feeding, then the improvement is minimal,” he said.
He emphasised the need for government intervention and expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would lead to better conditions for healthcare workers nationwide.
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