The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is eagerly anticipating the forthcoming National Development Plan (NDP) which is expected to shape its Health Strategic Plan. According to Dr Jemesa Tudravu, the Ministry’s permanent secretary, the NDP will serve as a guideline for the improvement of strategic healthcare efforts, taking into account lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the current Strategic Plan 2020-2025 is nearing its end, the NDP’s timing seems ideal to both create and steer a successor strategic plan, fitting the government’s vision for the following three to ten years. The Ministry is mainly focusing on the prevalent diseases in the country.
Non-communicable diseases continue to be a key cause of sickness and mortality in the country and are a priority. However, the Ministry is also considering ways to fortify the resilience of the health sector after tackling the COVID-19 crisis.
A principal health care program targeted at achieving universal health coverage is also among their plans. The Ministry hopes to revamp and adapt primary health care to the modern era, with the aid of advancements at their disposal.
Dr Tudravu further added that they are mindful of the health implications of climate change and plan to incorporate resilience-building measures into their infrastructure, support systems and programs into their strategy.