President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Dr. Abdu Mukhtar as the new National Coordinator for the Presidential “Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain” Initiative. This strategic move aims to revolutionise Nigeria’s healthcare sector and drive significant investments.
Initiative under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
The initiative operates under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and is poised to catalyse change across various sectors within the healthcare ecosystem.
Strategic Approval to Drive Investment and Restructure
In an official statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale,it was revealed that the strategic approval of Dr. Abdu Mukhtar’s appointment aims to unlock billions of dollars in new investments within the nation’s healthcare delivery system.
A Comprehensive Approach to Reform
The initiative plans to foster cross-ministerial collaboration and restructure the healthcare ecosystem. It targets health product manufacturing, health logistics services, health technology services, and health retail services, including e-commerce. Additionally, it focuses on health provider facilitation and health payer reform, encompassing third-party administrators and insurers.
Key Objectives
The primary objectives of this initiative include increasing domestic manufacturing of generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, and devices. It also seeks to reduce outbound medical tourism by enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria and promoting alternative health ecosystems within the country.
Boosting Employment and Attracting Investments
The plan is expected to create more quality jobs throughout the healthcare value chain. It aims to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and encourage local capital mobilisation.
Abdu Mukhtar’s Background and Expertise
Before his appointment, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar was the Director of Industry and Trade Development at the African Development Bank (AfDB). He also played a significant role in expanding the Dangote Group of Industries’ cement production across 14 African countries, alongside various joint ventures in sectors like power, oil and gas, and agriculture.
Dr. Mukhtar holds a Doctorate in Biotechnology from Boston University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Master in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and a Medical Degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
A Vision for Transformation
The President expressed confidence that Dr. Abdu Mukhtar’s vast experience and academic qualifications will drive the effective execution of this national assignment. The initiative is expected to realise the immense economic potential of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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