Health Sector Confidence Rises as Patient Satisfaction Hits 74% – Pate

ABUJA, Nigeria – Confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system has shown a remarkable improvement, with patient satisfaction levels reaching 74 per cent and overall trust in the health sector rising to 55 per cent, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.

Speaking at the 2025 Joint Annual Review of the Health Sector, themed “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing the Nigerian Health Sector to Light,” on Wednesday, Pate said the progress reflects renewed public faith in government reforms and citizen-centred health initiatives.

 “The proportion of citizens who believe that the government considers their views in health decision-making now stands at nearly half the population,” Pate said. “Confidence in the health system’s direction is up to 55 per cent, and satisfaction with healthcare services remains strong at 74 per cent.”

“Through initiatives such as the Medical Relief Programme and expanded social health protection, we are easing affordability pressures,” he noted.

The minister also revealed that over 20,000 health workers have been recruited into tertiary hospitals to fill workforce gaps, with more than ₦50 billion approved to settle arrears and improve working conditions.

“Our call to all health workers is simple: put the Nigerian person at the centre of attention. If we do that, all other issues can be resolved,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Health Dr. Iziaq Salako said bold reforms under the National Health System Reform and Investment Initiative (NHSRII) are expected to save ₦4.8 trillion annually from preventable diseases and retain ₦850 billion domestically by reducing medical tourism.

“The NHSRII is an investment with clear returns—social, financial, and systemic,” Salako said. “We are already seeing progress with new infrastructure, over 500 high-impact projects, 13 new tertiary health institutions, and six cancer centres of excellence.”

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Mirian Gom

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Gom Mirian AHR Senior Correspondent, has over 8 years’ experience reporting on health, crime, education, investigations, and development issues across Nigeria and Africa. With dual degrees in Economics, she combines analytical skill with compelling storytelling. Widely recognised for her public health and humanitarian reporting, she earned a Nestlé Award nomination for compelling human-interest journalism. Follow her on Twitter @mirian_linus.

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