The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has inaugurated the management committee of the Renewed Hope Health Connect (RHHC) programme. The initiative aims to bridge the healthcare delivery gap across the country.
A statement by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations Alaba Balogun on Wednesday revealed the strategic move is to enhance access to quality healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities,
The RHHC is also a medical outreach programme set to be implemented in 55 selected senatorial districts nationwide, focusing on vulnerable populations most in need of health services.
Speaking during the official inauguration of the management committee, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the significance of the initiative.
“Access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge in many parts of our country, especially in rural and underserved communities,” Dr. Salako stated. “These areas often lack sufficient healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and essential medical supplies—leading to poor health outcomes, high maternal and child mortality rates, and the spread of preventable diseases.”
Dr. Salako further revealed that the Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing these issues by approving the RHHC programme in the 2025 budget.
He reaffirmed the importance of medical outreaches, noting, “They have proven effective in delivering healthcare services directly to the people who need them most.”
To ensure effective implementation, the RHHC Management Committee will be chaired by Dr. Salako himself. The committee includes directors of relevant departments, a representative from the office of the Coordinating Minister, a representative of the Permanent Secretary, the Coordinator of the National Eye Health Program, as well as the Senior Technical Assistant and Technical Assistant to the Minister. Dr. Charles Nzelu, Director of the Special Duties Department, will serve as the committee’s secretary.
The Terms of Reference for the committee include, but are not limited to:
a. Collaborating with consultants and firms for project execution and overseeing implementation in the targeted 55 senatorial constituencies.
b. Ensuring equitable distribution of services and resources, while monitoring and evaluating outreach impact.
c. Promoting partnerships with health agencies, NGOs, and community leaders.
d. Developing a comprehensive implementation plan, including timelines, resource allocation, and constituency-specific healthcare needs.
e. Liaising with healthcare providers, medical personnel, and logistics teams to ensure timely procurement and distribution of medical supplies and equipment.