The Federal Government has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the implementation of agreements reached with health sector unions and associations.

The move is part of a broader strategy to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the nation?s healthcare system.

The committee is chaired by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Izaq Adekunle Salako, with membership drawn from key government institutions, including Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; a representative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment; a delegate from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; and a member of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

Also on the committee are representatives from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Budget Office.

The committee?s establishment follows recent constructive engagements between the Federal Government and the leadership of all health sector unions and associations.

The discussions are part of an ongoing reconciliation process aimed at sustaining peace and stability in the health sector while addressing the welfare concerns of health workers.

According to a statement on Saturday by Alaba Balogun, the Ministry?s Director of Press and Public Relations, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, who led the government delegation during the meeting, reaffirmed the administration?s recognition of health workers as critical to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said President Bola Tinubu is committed to improving healthcare delivery through increased investment in infrastructure, equipment, services, and the welfare of health professionals.

?President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appreciates all Nigeria?s health workers, whom he regards as key to realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector.

?His administration has made significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, services, and welfare, and will do even more,? Professor Pate noted.

Highlighting the progress made under recent health sector reforms, the Minister noted that Nigerian hospitals are now attracting patients from other West African nations, as well as from Europe and America.

He described the meeting as the first of its kind, commending the unions for their dedication and constructive participation.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, lauded both the health unions and the Ministers of Health and Social Welfare for their commitment to dialogue.

He stressed that the agreements must be implemented consistently and uniformly and called for continuous engagement between the government and health sector stakeholders to maintain industrial peace. (The Nation)

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