He also launched the Universal Healthcare coverage documents as well as the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Programme.
Buhari, who was represented on the occasion by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, in Abuja on Tuesday, pledged to fulfill the campaign promises he made to Nigerians in 2015.
He described the inauguration of the healthcare programmes as a demonstration of the priority attention his administration accorded the health of Nigerians.
According to him, the Second National Strategic Health Development Plan approved by the Federal Executive Council on Sept. 5, 2018, is the health sector’s plan toward achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria.
He said that the Federal Government would continue to encourage competitiveness among the states and Abuja in the nation’s key sectors.
He described as unacceptable, the situation where out-of-pocket payment for health constituted over 70 percent of the total health expenditure in Nigeria, saying that his administration was determined to reverse the trend.
“I’m aware that out-of-pocket payment for health constitutes over 70 per cent of total health expenditure in Nigeria.
“Our vision is to reverse this situation and promote shared prosperity,” he said.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said that the Buhari-led administration had recorded significant progress in the nation’s health sector.
Adewole lauded the Development Partners for their support and assistance in enhancing healthcare facilities in Nigeria.