Former President, Goodluck Jonathan said the government alone can not be saddled with the responsibility of providing health care services hence the need for collective action to enhance the health status of Nigerians.
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Church and other religious institutions to complement Federal Government”s efforts toward achieving Universal Health coverage in 2030.
The Former President made the call during the opening of the Maiden Health Summit organized by the Church Of Nigeria, Anglican Communion in Abuja.
The former President who was represented by former secretary, of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, John-Kennedy Opara, said there was a need for collective action to address the high mortality rate and other diseases threatening the lives of ordinary citizens.
He emphasized that health education must also be incorporated into the Church evangelism programs to inform rural dwellers of the advantages of healthy living.
In a remark, Primate Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba said the church would harness the potential of health professionals in providing universal health coverage in the country.
He stressed that the Church would connect and strengthen the health facilities in all the dioceses and parishes across the country to ensure quality health care for the downtrodden.
According to the Anglican Primate, the church will use its widespread healthcare facilities to enhance the well-being of the citizens.
“The church is more concerned and must have compassion for healing to complement the spread of evangelism in all towns and villages”.
Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba assured that the Church would collaborate with the federal government to achieve the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector.
Also speaking, a former Anglican Primate, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh said there was a need for the Church to make a Landmark in the health sector as it did in the education and other sectors.
He said if the church strengthens Health care services it will address medical tourism and increase the life span of Nigerians.
Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh commended the Church for taking the giant steps of harnessing the potential of health professionals to strengthen the Evangelism work of the Church.
The Summit with the Theme ”The Church Of Nigeria and Universal Health Coverage” has representatives from The World Health Organization, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other religious bodies in attendance.
FRCN
