Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has proposed a series of strategic initiatives including the establishment of the Church of Nigeria Health Commission to streamline and standardise healthcare services.
He stated this at the maiden edition of the church’s health summit in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ndukuba emphasised the church’s historical role in pioneering healthcare in Nigeria, and recalled foundational efforts in establishing clinics and hospitals since the 19th century.
He called for a renewed commitment to comprehensive healthcare, blending physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in alignment with Biblical teachings and modern health standards.
According to him, there is urgent need for the church to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, exacerbated by corruption and inadequate government response.
He also called for the establishment of a health maintenance organisation (HMO) to cater for the healthcare needs of Nigerians.
He advocated for the development of pharmaceutical production and a fellowship for healthcare professionals to bolster the church’s medical outreach.
Highlighting the church’s potential to lead in healthcare and transform community well-being, Ndukuba urged Christian healthcare professionals to seize this “Kairos moment” for impactful service.
His address set the stage for the summit’s mission to develop a comprehensive health policy and blueprint for advancing the church’s role in holistic health ministry.
On his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan urged the church to take the lead in the crucial role of advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In his keynote, the ex-president, who was represented by the former executive secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, highlighted the church’s historical contributions to health and education sectors.
While reflecting on the 2014 Ebola crisis, Jonathan acknowledged the bravery of healthcare workers, like doctor Stella Adadevoh, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
He also acknowledged the passage of the National Health Act signed into law during his administration, which he said had significantly improved healthcare access for millions Nigerians.
“The National Health Act 2014 established a framework for the provision of essential health services, the management of health resources, and the protection of patients’ rights.
“Today, over 10 million Nigerians across our various states have access to health insurance provided by the various state social health insurance schemes,” he said.
He called on the Anglican Church to spearhead health insurance enrollment and bridge disparities in healthcare access.
