The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has revealed that President Ahmed Tinubu inherited a health sector plagued by stagnation and regression in key health indicators.

Speaking at a strategic health summit in Abuja on Tuesday, Akume highlighted the president’s long-standing commitment to healthcare, noting that even before assuming office, Tinubu supported the Health Transformation Coalition (HTC) of Nigeria to promote health as a pillar of national development.

Upon taking office, Tinubu swiftly took decisive steps to reform the sector, including the establishment of a Health Subcommittee within the Presidential Advisory Council, led by Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, now the Special Adviser on Health. Additionally, the appointment of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate as Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare was aimed at integrating healthcare and social welfare for national development.

Among the president’s bold interventions, Akume highlighted the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking Value Chain (PVAC) in the Health Sector. This initiative seeks to boost local manufacturing of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, enhance research and innovation, and improve healthcare financing and delivery.

According to Akume, these efforts underscore Tinubu’s recognition of healthcare as a fundamental driver of national development and his commitment to ensuring the sector receives the highest level of attention.