Tinubu’s cabinet and agenda for incoming health minister

<p>The resoluteness and character of the incoming minister will, no doubt, go a long way in changing the face of Nigeria’s health sector for the better.</p>, <span>President Bola Tinubu.</span>, <h2>Last week, President Bola Tinubu submitted the list of his ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.</h2>, <p>Although the number of nominees, 28, falls short of the expected total number of ministerial position, from every indication, when cleared, this first batch of ministers will be posted to critical sectors as cabinet constitution process evolves.</p>, <p>Health sector will likely get a minister from among this first batch. For a sector that is faced with so many challenges, Nigerians expect so much from the incoming minister.</p>, <p>In Nigeria public health sector investment is not among the best globally; maternal and infant mortality remain among the highest in the world while brain drain is surging.</p>, <p>Also health emergency preparedness remains low, HV and AIDS remain of public health concern and Universal Health Coverage still low, the incoming minister already has the work cut out.</p>, <p>Dr Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, says there is a toxic mix of problems including in accessible quality health care, poor hygiene, corruption and malnutrition.</p>, <p>According to him, there is also the challenge of access to safe drinking water, poor health infrastructure, fake drugs, insufficient financial investment, and lack of sufficient health personnel in the country.</p>, <p>“The new minister must prioritise the development and improvement of healthcare infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.</p>, <p>“This is crucial to ensure that citizens have access to quality healthcare services.</p>, <p>“He or she is expected to focus on improving the quality of healthcare services provided to the Nigerian population,” he said.</p>, <p>According to him, this may involve investing in training programmes for healthcare profess