By PETER TITLE
Plateau State Government says it is poised towards repositioning the state’s health sector in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at the opening of the 11th National Council on Health, held recently at the Crispan Hotel, Jos, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as “not just a goal, but a solemn promise that every resident of Plateau State, regardless of geography, income, or social status, will have access to quality, affordable, and timely healthcare without facing financial hardship.”
Highlighting key achievements recorded in the past two years, Governor Mutfwang identified the expansion of primary healthcare facilities across the 17 local government areas, with a target of at least one fully functional and well-equipped centre in every electoral ward.
He further noted the increase in enrolment under the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), with special provisions for pregnant women, children under five, the elderly and people living with disabilities.
The governor also underscored the repositioning of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) to guarantee affordable, safe and effective medicines, as well as the transformation of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital into a hub of medical excellence with the recruitment of 22 new consultants across critical specialties, the installation of ₦2 billion worth of modern equipment and the deployment of a robust electronic medical records system.
While acknowledging persisting challenges such as underserved rural communities, uneven distribution of health workers and weak health data systems, Governor Mutfwang assured that his administration was addressing them decisively.
“We are investing in the recruitment, training, and retention of skilled health workers, with incentives for rural postings, continuous professional development, and safer working environments,” he declared.
The governor emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, stressing that achieving UHC could not be left to government alone. “Every health professional, policymaker, development partner, civil society actor, traditional ruler, and indeed every patriotic citizen has a role to play.
” A healthy Plateau is a prosperous Plateau, and together, we can build a system that serves generations to come. We will invest what is required, take the bold decisions needed, and lead with transparency and accountability. The time to act is now,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, highlighted the centrality of governance in health system strengthening.
According to him, “Governance, in its truest essence, is not merely about administration; it is about stewardship, accountability, and the sacred trust placed in us by the people we serve.”
The Council on Health meeting, with the theme, ‘Repositioning the Plateau State Health System Towards Universal Health Coverage,’ brought together stakeholders from government agencies, the Plateau State House of Assembly, civil society, NGOs, traditional institutions and development partners including WHO, UNICEF, the Carter Center, APIN, and others, all of whom reaffirmed their support for the state’s health agenda.