By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system took centre stage in Sokoto on Tuesday as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Services, Ali Pate, urged leaders of federal tertiary hospitals to deepen collaboration and drive reforms that will deliver accessible and efficient healthcare services nationwide.

Pate made the call at the 113th Regular Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals (CCMDFTH), hosted by the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital.

Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Adesola Adegoke, the minister stressed that leaders of tertiary health institutions bear a critical responsibility to translate policy discussions into tangible improvements in hospitals and communities.

He commended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sokoto State Government and the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, describing it as a model for other states in strengthening healthcare delivery.

Pate reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improved funding, infrastructure expansion, and manpower development in tertiary institutions, noting that such investments are key to reducing medical tourism by ensuring Nigerians can access quality care within the country.

“The goal is to build a system where Nigerians can access affordable and high-quality healthcare at home,” he said, urging participants to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to strengthen the nation’s health system.

In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding collaboration with federal institutions and stakeholders to improve healthcare delivery.

Represented by Deputy Governor Idris Gobir, the governor said the state had increased budgetary allocations to the health sector and recruited 2,400 community health workers deployed to rural areas to bridge manpower gaps.

He added that the government had renovated primary healthcare facilities and was sponsoring students in medical and allied health programmes to strengthen the future workforce.

Chairman of the CCMDFTH, Prof. Saad Ahmed, said the committee provides a platform for chief medical directors to review challenges facing tertiary institutions and propose strategic solutions to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.

He noted that tertiary hospitals remain central to Nigeria’s medical advancement through specialised care, research, and the training of health professionals.

“These institutions have recorded breakthroughs in areas such as kidney transplantation, cardiac surgery, and other complex procedures, demonstrating the capacity within Nigeria’s health sector,” he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, described the meeting as a significant step toward strengthening the healthcare system and called for sustained support from traditional institutions.

Represented by the District Head of Kilgori, Dr. Jabbi Kilgori, the monarch highlighted the role of traditional rulers in supporting health interventions, particularly immunisation campaigns and community awareness.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Anas Sabir, welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of collaboration among tertiary institutions in advancing public health.

Also speaking, the Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kware, Dr. Suleiman Baguda, described the meeting as a vital forum for sharing experiences, reviewing progress, and addressing common challenges.

He expressed optimism that resolutions from the meeting would enhance service delivery, research capacity, and manpower development across Nigeria’s healthcare institutions.

The week-long meeting features technical sessions, exhibitions, and specialised discussions aimed at shaping policies and strategies to improve healthcare services for millions of Nigerians.