The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable financing of emergency and intensive care services, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and improve access to life-saving treatment.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open the 11th Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Intensive and Critical Care Society of Nigeria.
The conference, themed “Sustainable Financing for Intensive Care in Public Hospitals in Nigeria,” brought together key stakeholders in the health sector to deliberate on funding challenges and solutions for critical care services.
Salako described the theme as timely, noting that sustainable financing remains crucial to ensuring that critically ill patients receive quality care without facing financial hardship.
“Critical illness can arise from trauma, infectious diseases, maternal and neonatal complications, surgical emergencies, cardiovascular and neurological conditions, among others. Access to quality intensive care often determines the difference between life and death,” he said.
He noted that the Federal Government recognises emergency and critical care as essential components of a resilient healthcare system capable of advancing Universal Health Coverage and strengthening national health security.
The minister, however, highlighted key challenges facing intensive care delivery, including the high cost of infrastructure, modern equipment, medical oxygen systems, and the need for highly skilled healthcare professionals.
He expressed concern over the heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments, which he said continues to push many Nigerian families into financial hardship.
Salako disclosed that the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System had expanded from its pilot phase in the Federal Capital Territory to 34 states, with ongoing efforts to achieve nationwide coverage.
He added that the government was implementing complementary interventions to improve maternal and newborn care, expand healthcare financing, and enhance service delivery.
“These interventions must be integrated with ambulance services, intensive care units, operating theatres, diagnostic services, rehabilitation services, and health insurance schemes,” he said.
The minister called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and civil society organisations to build a sustainable critical care system.
He also emphasised the need to invest in workforce development, including training more intensive care physicians, nurses, and other specialists through fellowship programmes and continuous professional development.
Salako reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening medical oxygen systems, noting that several Pressure Swing Adsorption oxygen plants had been installed across health facilities nationwide following lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He further advocated improved referral systems, digital health technologies, and tele-critical care services to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Harrison Nwogu, said the conference would examine the causes of chronic underfunding of intensive care units and explore innovative financing options, including public-private partnerships and diaspora investments.
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Olalekan Olutesi, said healthcare delivery cannot be handled solely by the government, urging wealthy individuals to invest in the sector. He also suggested tax incentives to encourage private investment.
In his keynote address, Prof. Daprim Ogaji stressed the need for a sustainable financing model that ensures access to intensive care without financial constraints.
He identified major challenges in the sector, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of equipment and consumables, and poor power supply affecting the maintenance of medical equipment.
On behalf of traditional rulers, the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, commended the organisers, describing critical care as a matter of humanity, equity, and national development.
He noted that access to intensive care services affects every community and called for collective efforts to strengthen the system.