The Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole
says the health sector is an important driver of economic growth globally.
The Minister who
made this known while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 60th
National Council on Health(NCH) meeting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on
Thursday, said that studies suggest that there is a correlation between
improved health and economic growth, with improvement in health outcomes
typically preceding any meaningful gains in economic growth.
Adewole said
investments in the health sector would positively impact on the economic growth
of the nation, while he decried the weak macro fiscal stance occasioned by low
commodity prices over the last few years, noting that it has led to a
contraction of the economy.
He
said “To restore and improve on
the nation’s economic status, this administration has put together a four-year
recovery plan with the broad objectives of restoring growth, investing in our
people and building a globally competitive economy.
He added “This is
why we deemed it very important to tag the theme of this year’s NCH as “Economic
Recovery and Growth Plan and the Health Sector: Matters arising”.
He however,
commended the host Governor, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, for making Health one of
the five cardinal programmes of his administration and prioritizing the sector
since he assumed office.
He added that Nigeria lags behind in indicators
for health, education, nutrition and employment because economic growth has
been inequitable, with wealth concentrated in very few hands.
The State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, while declaring
the NCH meeting open called on Federal Government to invest in preventive
medicine and adopt a comprehensive approach towards tackling the outbreak of
unknown diseases endemic to human health.
He added that there is need for heavy investment
especially in the area of research and treatment as well as increase in
awareness campaign on those diseases towards nipping them in the bud.
According to the Governor, most of the
diseases kill people as a result of ignorance and lack of awareness on the
symptoms, causes and cure when infected.
He however commended the Public health
Professionals for their quick response to the outbreak of infectious diseases,
calling on other stakeholders in the sector to compliment their efforts at
curtailing the spread of deadly diseases in the country.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr.
Babatunde Ipaye, in his welcome address, said the importance of the Health
Sector towards achieving the key mandate of the ' Economic Reform and
Growth Plan of the Federal Government formed the basis of the conversation and
decision of the Council on Health in the state.
He added that state would remain outstanding
particularly when the history of innovation in health efficiency and
sustainability is mentioned.
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