The Plateau State Government has outlined plans to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve health financing, enhance disease surveillance and address the uneven distribution of health workers as it prepares to convene the 12th Plateau State Council on Health from October 20 to 22, 2026.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this during a press briefing at Crispan Hotel and Suites in Jos ahead of the council, which is expected to bring together key stakeholders to assess the state’s healthcare system and develop practical strategies for improving access to quality and affordable medical services.
The council, themed “From Policy to People: Consolidating Quality Universal Health Coverage and Health Security on the Plateau,” is designed to bridge the gap between government health policies and their practical impact on residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
Ba’amlong acknowledged the progress recorded in the state’s health sector over the past year but stressed the need for sustained efforts to ensure that healthcare services are accessible, affordable and delivered in accordance with acceptable standards.
He identified the strengthening of primary healthcare facilities as a major priority, noting that improved access to essential health services must go hand in hand with dignity, professionalism and quality in healthcare delivery.
Health Security, Disease Surveillance Top Priorities
The commissioner said health security and the adoption of the One Health approach would feature prominently in the council’s deliberations.
He explained that effective disease surveillance, prompt outbreak response and collaboration across human, animal and environmental health sectors were essential to protecting public health.
Ba’amlong further noted that climate-related health risks had reinforced the need for coordinated preparedness and response mechanisms to safeguard communities against emerging health threats.
The council is expected to examine strategies for strengthening institutional capacity and improving coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure a more responsive and resilient health system.
Government Considers Sustainable Health Financing
On healthcare financing, the commissioner disclosed that the state would explore sustainable funding mechanisms and expand health insurance enrolment to reduce the financial burden of accessing medical care on households.
The initiative is expected to support efforts towards universal health coverage by improving the ability of residents to obtain essential health services without facing undue financial hardship.
He also identified the recruitment, training, equitable distribution and retention of skilled health personnel as critical components of the state’s healthcare reform agenda.
According to him, ensuring that qualified health workers are available across communities, particularly in underserved areas, remains essential to reducing disparities in access to healthcare services.
Digital Health, Accountability and Community Participation
The 12th Council on Health will also consider the application of digital health technologies and stronger health information systems to improve data management, transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
Ba’amlong emphasised that reliable health data would support effective planning, resource allocation and monitoring of healthcare interventions across the state.
He equally underscored the importance of community participation, calling for stronger partnerships with traditional rulers, civil society organisations and community-based groups to ensure that health policies reflect the needs and realities of the people.
The commissioner added that effective governance, accountability and regulation would be indispensable to building a healthcare system capable of delivering dependable and quality services to residents.
Council to Commence October 20
The 12th Plateau State Council on Health is scheduled to commence with an opening ceremony on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while technical sessions will take place from October 21 to 22.
The sessions are expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to review existing policies, identify gaps in healthcare delivery and develop actionable recommendations for strengthening the state’s health sector.
Ba’amlong reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every resident, irrespective of age or geographical location, has access to quality healthcare.
He called on media organisations and other stakeholders to support the council through accurate reporting, constructive feedback and active collaboration, expressing optimism that the deliberations would produce practical measures to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen health security across Plateau State.
The council represents an opportunity for the state to assess its healthcare priorities and reinforce the implementation of policies aimed at making quality healthcare more accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of its population.
