By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State Government has concluded arrangements to host the 64th National Council on Health from from all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory In Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State from 13th and 17 November, 2023.
The title of this Year’s National Council on Health is “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare System for Healthy Nigeria”.
The National Council on Health (NCH) is the highest national policy-making and advisory body on health matters in the country.
At a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services in the state, Dr Oyebanji Filani disclosed that over 800 participants are coming together to exchange ideas, share expertise, and chart a course for a healthier and more equitable future of the country.
He disclosed that the Council serves as a platform for collaboration and decision-making among stakeholders in the health Sector, bringing together key players from the federal and state levels of government.
The commissioner explained that the NCH which is chaired by the Honourable Minister of Health and include the Commissioner for Health from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, meets annually to discuss and address critical health issues, review progress and decision that influence the direction of healthcare in the country.
He disclosed further that the Council represents a significant milestone in Nigeria shared commitment to advancing healthcare and improving the wellbeing of our communities as well as fostering the development of healthcare professionals and the improvement of healthcare infrastructure across the country.
On the significance of the program in the state, the commissioner disclosed that the program will further build brand recognition, significant benefits to Ekiti State economy while the host city of Ado-Ekiti and other tourist attractions, hotels, parks and gardens in the state would enjoy increased national and global profile and growth during and after the event.
“Permit me to say here that our dear state stands to gain from this national meeting as the meeting will stimulate local economy through tourism, increased revenue to business concerns and engendering meaningful cooperation and collaboration amongst participants.
“The state government through the support of our performing Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has made necessary arrangements regarding security, accommodation, transportation among others to ensure a seamless and smooth National Council in the state.
“We also want to congratulate our amazing Governor for providing the enabling environment and for accepting to host this Year’s National Council on Health in Ekiti State in line with his shared prosperity agenda.
“Under this administration Healthcare service delivery has improved tremendously. We have treated (free at the point of use) over 90,000 vulnerable people under our Ulerawa Health Insurance program, in the last 3 months. We have also renovated most of our health facilities from Primary to tertiary as well as equipping them with modern medical equipment. In addition, we are constantly building the capacity of health workers, presented working tools, increase their monthly pay and approved harzard allowance for them among other laudable achievements.
“To our dear people of Ekiti State, we are recognized as good hosts the world over, let our guests at the summit enjoy the traditional Ekiti hospitality during the 5-day summit”.