Abuja | July 30, 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a comprehensive national plan aimed at overhauling brain and spine healthcare across the country, marking a significant policy step toward improving neuro-medical services and outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to tackle the growing burden of neurological and spinal conditions by enhancing diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and research capabilities in the sector. The plan also prioritizes access to specialized care, workforce development, and infrastructure investment across federal and tertiary hospitals.
Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, noted that neurological disorders, including stroke, spinal injuries, epilepsy, and brain tumors, are increasingly contributing to disability and premature death in Nigeria due to delayed care and limited access to neurosurgical services.
“This national brain and spine health plan is a turning point for our health system. It is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and reaffirms our commitment to a healthier population through strategic investment in critical areas of medicine,” Pate said.
He added that the plan includes the establishment of regional centers of excellence for brain and spine care, a national training scheme for neurosurgeons and neurologists, and a unified data collection system to guide policy implementation.
The initiative also seeks collaboration with private sector stakeholders, international partners, and academic institutions to ensure sustainable financing and innovation.
Health experts and patient advocates present at the launch commended the federal government for taking a bold step toward reversing years of neglect in the neuro-health sector, calling for swift implementation, monitoring, and public awareness to ensure its success.
