Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to strengthening Plateau State’s health system and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at the opening of the 11th Plateau State Council on Health in Jos on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the Governor described UHC as “a solemn promise that every resident, regardless of geography, income, or social status, will access quality, affordable, and timely healthcare without financial hardship.”
He outlined significant progress achieved over the past two years, including:
• Expansion of primary healthcare facilities across all 17 LGAs, with the goal of at least one functional, well-equipped center in every ward.
• Increased enrollment under the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), with special provisions for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• Strengthening of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) to ensure safe, affordable, and effective medicines.
• Transformation of Plateau State Specialist Hospital into a medical hub, featuring 22 new consultants, ₦2 billion worth of modern equipment, and a robust electronic medical records system.
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged persistent challenges, such as underserved rural communities and uneven distribution of health workers, but assured that decisive measures are underway. These include recruitment, training, and retention of health workers with incentives for rural postings, ongoing professional development, and safer work environments.
He stressed that achieving UHC requires collective responsibility:
“Every health professional, policymaker, development partner, civil society actor, and patriotic citizen has a role to play. A healthy Plateau is a prosperous Plateau. Together, we can build a system that serves generations to come.”
The Honourable Commissioner for Health commended the Governor’s leadership, noting that governance in health is about stewardship, accountability, and trust.
The Council, themed “Repositioning the Plateau State Health System Towards Universal Health Coverage,” brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, traditional institutions, and development partners including WHO, UNICEF, the Carter Center, and APIN, all reaffirming their support for Plateau State’s health agenda.