By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
The Plateau State Government has announced plans to comprehensively review healthcare delivery, health financing, disease surveillance and the distribution of health workers as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, *Dr. Nicholas Baamlong*, disclosed this during a press briefing at Crispan Hotel Hall in Jos ahead of the *12th Plateau State Council on Health*.
The council, themed *“From Policy to People: Consolidating Quality Universal Health Coverage and Health Security on the Plateau,”* is scheduled to hold from *October 20–22, 2026*.
According to Dr. Baamlong, the high-level meeting will bring together key stakeholders to assess progress in the health sector and develop practical, implementable strategies for improving healthcare services, especially for underserved communities.
He said the council will focus on translating government health policies into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
“We have made efforts to strengthen our health system in the past year, but more work is needed to ensure healthcare services are accessible, affordable and delivered to acceptable standards,” Baamlong said.
He listed strengthening primary healthcare facilities and expanding access to essential services while promoting dignity and professionalism as major priorities.
Baamlong also identified health security and the *One Health approach* as critical areas of discussion, stressing the need for improved disease surveillance, faster outbreak response and stronger collaboration between human, animal and environmental health sectors.
He noted that climate-related health risks have further highlighted the importance of coordinated preparedness and response mechanisms.
On health financing, the Commissioner said the state will explore sustainable funding options and expand health insurance enrolment to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for families.
He added that improving the availability and equitable distribution of skilled health workers across communities will remain a priority, alongside strengthening training, recruitment and retention.
The council will also examine the role of digital health technologies and improved health information systems in promoting transparency, strengthening data management and supporting evidence-based decision making.
Baamlong further emphasised the importance of community participation, noting that partnerships with traditional rulers, civil society organisations and community groups are essential to ensuring interventions respond to the actual needs of residents.
He said effective governance, accountability and regulation remain key to building a trusted health system where every resident, regardless of location or age, has access to quality care.
The opening ceremony of the 12th Council on Health will hold on *Tuesday, October 20, 2026*, while technical sessions will run from *October 21 to 22*.
The Commissioner called on the media and other stakeholders to support the process through accurate reporting, feedback and collaboration, expressing optimism that deliberations will produce practical measures to strengthen healthcare delivery and health security across Plateau State.
