Tinubu Celebrates Pate at 58, Says 3,100 Primary Healthcare Centres Revitalised

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, on his 58th birthday, praising his contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare transformation and highlighting the revitalisation of more than 3,100 primary healthcare centres nationwide.

Tinubu, in a birthday message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended Pate for what he described as significant progress in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President said more than 3,100 primary healthcare centres had been revitalised, while the reorganisation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund had enabled more than 37 million Nigerians to access basic healthcare services.

He also highlighted investments in health infrastructure and manpower, including the establishment of three oncology centres across the geopolitical zones to improve cancer treatment and reduce medical tourism.

According to Tinubu, more than 20,000 health professionals have been recruited into federal tertiary hospitals to address workforce shortages and cushion the impact of brain drain.

He added that more than 78,000 frontline health workers had been trained to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the country.

Tinubu further noted that more than 17.1 million adolescent girls had received HPV vaccinations as part of efforts to prevent cervical cancer.

Pate’s healthcare investment drive

The President also commended Pate for facilitating investments in Nigeria’s healthcare value chain and pharmaceutical sector through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain.

He said the initiative had so far attracted a project pipeline worth more than $5 billion, describing the development as part of efforts to strengthen domestic healthcare production and improve access to essential medical services.

Tinubu described Pate as a distinguished and globally acclaimed health professional whose expertise had contributed to the transformation of Nigeria’s health and social welfare sector.

“On this special occasion of your 58th birthday, I celebrate your life of service and dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians,” the President said.

He wished Pate good health, renewed strength and continued success in service to the nation.

Tinubu also joined Pate’s family, friends and associates in celebrating the minister as he marks his 58th birthday.