…Dr. Adetifa, now new DG, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
By Hillary Asemota
In what health watchers referred to as a sweeping reform, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the setting up of a 25-member Health Sector Reform Committee to commence the development and implementation of a health sector reform programme, to proffer lasting solution to challenges besetting the sector.
The holistic reform according to a statement signed by Mr. Femi Adesina, is in collaboration with the State Governments and the FCT administration. The committee is to be headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has also approved the appointment of Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa as the new Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is also a member of the committee.
The reform is said to be the outcome of a health sector diagnostic review report developed by a consultant, Vesta Healthcare Partners and the Federal Ministry of Health.
The committee will undertake a review of all healthcare reforms adopted in the past two decades and lessons learnt and factor them into the development of the new health sector reform programme.
The committee which is set up for a period of six months under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has members drawn from private and public sector health care management professionals, development partners, representatives from the National Assembly as well as the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
Other members are: Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State ; Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health; Mr. Alex Okoh Director General BPE; Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar, a Professor in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London and Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health, Mr Babatunde Irukera, Director General, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council; Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe; Dr. Adedamola Dada, Dr. Sani Aliyu; Dr. Mairo Mandara; Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga; Prof. Uche Amazigbo ; Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health; Dr Faisal Shuaib; Prof Nasiru Sambo; Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa and Dr Gambo Aliyu.
Others in the committee are: Dr Betta Edu ( Chairman Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum representing National Council on Health); President Nigeria Medial Association; President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; President National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives; President Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria ; Mrs. Temi Marcella Awogboro ; Dr. Muhammad Sadiq; Dr. Azubike Tagbo and World Health Organization, Nigeria.
Vesta Healthcare Partners and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are to serve as resources persons and have observer roles in the committee.