By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has said the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state requires more than government intervention, urging stakeholders to play an active role in improving healthcare access and equity.
Mutfwang made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the 11th Plateau State Council on Health in Jos.
The three-day event, with the theme “Repositioning Plateau State Health Systems Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage,” is holding at Crispan Hotel from August 19 to 21.
The governor said UHC should not be seen as a mere policy objective but as a commitment to ensure no resident is denied healthcare due to poverty, distance, or status.
“Universal Health Coverage is not just a goal; it is a solemn promise — a promise that every resident of Plateau State, regardless of geography, income, or social status, will have access to quality, affordable, and timely healthcare without financial hardship,” he stated.
He highlighted key achievements of his administration, including the revitalization of primary healthcare centres across all 17 LGAs, recruitment of 22 medical consultants, introduction of six new hospital departments, and the completion of a previously abandoned laboratory complex.
“We have injected ₦2 billion into the purchase of modern equipment and implemented a robust electronic medical records system. There is also increased enrollment into the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) and improved access to essential medicines through the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA),” the governor said.
Despite these strides, Mutfwang admitted that significant challenges persist. “Our rural communities remain underserved. Health worker distribution and retention is still a challenge. Essential medicines do not always reach the last mile, and too many households still pay out-of-pocket for basic healthcare services. These realities demand honest reflection and decisive action. That is why this council is critical,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Omotosho Oyewole, lauded Plateau State’s efforts.
“This step is not just timely. It is urgent. It speaks to the heart of our collective mission to ensure that every citizen, regardless of tribe, location, income, or status, has access to quality and equitable healthcare,” Oyewole said.
He said the Federal Government is pursuing reforms in five priority areas: primary healthcare, health financing, workforce development, digital innovation, and public-private partnerships.
“Universal Health Coverage is not a luxury. It is a human right. The decisions we make here must be bold, inclusive, and transformative,” he added.
Oyewole also disclosed that resolutions from the Plateau council would feed into the 66th National Council on Health slated for November 2025 in Calabar, Cross River State.
The event brought together federal and state health officials, development partners, local government chairmen, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations to develop strategies for a stronger and more inclusive health system in Plateau.
