The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has inaugurated a Renewed Hope Health Connect (RHHC) management committee to enhance access to quality health care, especially in rural and underserved communities nationwide.

The RHHCC is a medical outreach programme that will be conducted in selected 55 senatorial districts, targeting the most vulnerable populations.

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, stated that access to quality health care remains a significant challenge in rural and underserved communities.

He said that these communities lack sufficient health care infrastructure, personnel and essential medical supplies; leading to poor health outcomes, high maternal and child mortality and the spread of preventable diseases.”

He observed that the Federal Government has approved the RHHC programme in the 2025 budget in demonstration of its commitment to address the gaps in healthcare services.

Salako noted that medical outreaches can effectively deliver healthcare services directly to the people who need them.

Membership of the committee comprises the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare as Chairman; Directors of relevant Departments, representative of the office of the Coordinating Minister, representative of the Permanent Secretary and Coordinator, National Eye Health Programme and Senior Technical Assistant and Technical Assistant to the minister, Dr Charles Nzelu and Director, Special Duties Department as Secretary.

According to Salako, the committee will work with consultants and firms engaged in the project, coordinate and oversee the implementation of the medical health programmes in targeted 55 senatorial constituencies, nsure equitable distribution of medical services and resources, and monitor and evaluate the impact of the outreach.

It will also promote partnership with relevant stakeholders including health agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to develop an implementation plan for the outreach including timeliness and resource allocation, identify priority healthcare needs specific to each constituency and liaise with healthcare providers, medical personnel and logistical teams, ensure procurement and distribution of medical supplies and equipment.