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Tag: healthcare

  • Katsina CSOs raise alarm over healthcare staff shortages

    Katsina CSOs raise alarm over healthcare staff shortages

    The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina has raised alarm over a significant human resource gap across the primary and secondary healthcare levels in the state.

    The coalition expressed its concerns on Tuesday in Katsina during a press briefing by its Chairman, Malam Abdulrahman Abdullahi, who was assessing Gov. Dikko Radda’s two years in office.

    He acknowledged some achievements in the health sector but highlighted persistent challenges that could hinder the administration’s overall objectives.

    Abdullahi noted that two key facilities, Turai Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital and General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital (GARSH), were severely affected by brain drain.

    “This is largely due to certain administrative actions, especially by the agency overseeing the facilities,” he said.

    He explained that many qualified, high-ranking, and hard-to-replace health professionals, including consultants, nurses, and technologists, had left due to poor welfare conditions, wrongful postings, retirements, or better opportunities elsewhere.

    “Unfortunately, there has been no adequate recruitment to fill these vacancies, resulting in a significant staff shortage and placing an overwhelming burden on the few remaining workers.

    “Some departments now operate below the minimum staffing levels required for standard service delivery.”

    Abdullahi also highlighted a serious funding gap that threatened efficient healthcare delivery.

    “The sector suffers from inadequate budgetary allocations and delayed release of approved funds.

    “At Turai Yar’adua Maternity Hospital, financial constraints have led to the abandonment of basic standards.

    “In many cases, prescriptions are written on plain sheets of paper, and patients must buy exercise books to document their care, undermining professionalism and proper record management,” he said.

    He added that funding shortages had impacted equipment, facilities, and consumables.

    “At GARSH, essential diagnostic equipment such as MRI and CT scan machines are non-functional, with no funds available for repairs or replacements.

    “This forces patients to seek services in private hospitals or travel out of state, often at unaffordable costs.

    “These conditions compromise patient care and erode public confidence in the state health system,” Abdullahi explained.

    He said beyond GARSH and Turai Yar’adua Hospital, many general and primary healthcare facilities across Katsina continued to operate without basic modern medical tools and life-saving equipment.

    “This limits their ability to provide comprehensive care, especially in emergencies, leading to avoidable referrals and fatalities.

    “In spite of these challenges, the coalition acknowledged the administration’s political will in sustaining key health initiatives, including the Contributory Healthcare Scheme under the state Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KATCHMA).”

    Abdullahi commended the government for efforts to reduce healthcare expenses indirectly for civil servants and the public through the scheme, though he noted that the state had yet to fulfil its financial obligations as an employer.

    “This undermines the scheme’s sustainability and credibility, reducing the number of beneficiaries.

    “Currently, only civil servants’ contributions are funding services, while the state’s employer contributions are still awaited,” he said.

    He also lauded the government for renovating selected primary health care centres, rehabilitating dormant health facilities, and upgrading some primary healthcare centres to general hospitals.

    “These efforts, aimed at achieving one functional health facility per ward and Universal Health Coverage for rural communities, are commendable,” Abdullahi stated.

    He pointed out that the ongoing construction of a Dialysis Centre at GARSH was another vital project that would improve access to affordable renal care in the state.

    “Once completed, the centre is expected to significantly reduce costs and travel burdens for dialysis patients, ultimately saving the lives of vulnerable citizens.”

  • People are now coming from UK, US to receive quality healthcare in Nigeria – Minister

    People are now coming from UK, US to receive quality healthcare in Nigeria – Minister

    Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate has disclosed that people are now coming to Nigeria from far away places like the United Kingdom and United States to receive quality healthcare in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Prof Pate made the disclosure while briefing State House correspondents, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which held on Tuesday.

    Pate also disclosed that the federal government has granted approval to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ratify the African Medicines Agency treaty.

    Pate said the treaty was initiated by the Africa Union Heads of State and Government at the 32nd meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2019.

    “So far, 37 member states of the Africa Union have signed to the treaty, and 26 have ratified it, and the Federal Executive Council today directed that the treaty be ratified by Nigeria and directed us to take all actions to give effect to the treaty,” he said.

    He said the treaty was intended to enhance the capacity of all state parties that ratified it to improve their regulatory capacities regarding medical products.

    He said it would also increase access to safe, quality assured medical services, and use common standards across the continent towards a Pan African regulatory framework.

    “And the import of this is, as we move in this direction, what we produce as part of our value chain expansion will have a much wider market.

    “So, we’re expanding the market for products that can be manufactured here, just as other African countries; what they manufacture, we can also trade with them,” said Pate.

    He said FEC also approved six contracts for major diagnostic equipment, three Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment and two CT scan equipment at the University of Uyo teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom and the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun.

    Others are: the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the Modibbo Adamawa University Teaching Hospital in Yola, Adamawa State, and the Federal teaching hospital in Kebbi.

    “You can see that gradually, piece by piece, we have been building our health infrastructure, but also at the higher level in the teaching hospital.

    “People are now beginning to come to Nigeria from the region to receive quality healthcare. This is already happening, including people from far away, places like the United Kingdom and United States,” said the minister.

    He added that good things were happening in Nigeria’s healthcare system, “the transformation that the President promised is beginning to happen.

    “We need to sustain it, and we’re investing, and we will continue to invest in that direction.”

  • Kogi govt. allocates N7bn for upgrade of 88 PHCs

    Kogi govt. allocates N7bn for upgrade of 88 PHCs

    The Kogi State Government has committed N7 billion to upgrade 88 additional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.

    Gov. Ahmed Ododo made this announcement on Saturday in Lokoja during the official handing over of sites to contractors for the upgrade of the 88 PHCs.

    Ododo was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adeiza.

    The governor explained that these new PHCs would complement the ongoing upgrade of 70 existing PHCs into functional Level-two facilities.

    He described the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing healthcare delivery and achieving universal health coverage for citizens.

    Ododo said with the invaluable support of the World Bank, the Kogi State Government had committed more than N7 billion to this project, reflecting unwavering commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

    “Today, we hand over these project sites to contractors who have successfully navigated a rigorous procurement process.”

    He urged contractors to maintain high standards of professionalism and complete the projects within the stipulated four-month timeframe.

    He also emphasised the importance of engaging local communities, collaborating with local leaders, and adhering to social and environmental safeguards.

    Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support for healthcare at the grassroots level, noting that the president’s engagement had strengthened the commitment of international partners to Nigeria’s healthcare goals.

    He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a strong foundation in the health sector.

    Dr Musa Muazu, Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), commended the government’s efforts to upgrade PHC facilities, particularly in rural areas, and reiterated the state’s commitment to improving healthcare services.

    Muazu, who was represented by Hadiya Ahmad, the Case Manager for Immunisation at the IMPACT Project, said the scheme was a testament to the state government’s dedication to improving the well-being of its people.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four contractors will handle the upgrade of the 88 PHCs across the state, including INKNUEL Ltd, Multipurpose Erand Ltd, QSA Nig Ltd, and Base-SAN Ventures.

    Responding on behalf of the contractors, Retired Brig.-Gen. Stephen Bawa , Project Manager of INKNUEL Ltd, promised that the projects would be completed according to the standard specifications and within the set timeframe.

    He also assured that local youth would be engaged in the execution of the projects.

    Mr Francis Eleson, Chairman of the Ward Community Development, Oworo, and Mr Mahmud Obewa, the Community Youth Leader, both expressed their appreciation to the governor for prioritising healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

    They pledged to provide adequate protection and create an enabling environment to ensure the contractors could successfully execute the projects for the benefit of the community.

  • Positive signals for healthcare – By Dakuku Peterside

    Positive signals for healthcare – By Dakuku Peterside

    Economic, social, and political conditions influence healthcare, a reflection of societal advancement. From ancient civilisations to modern nations, the development of healthcare systems has been a testament to societal priorities and quality of  governance. The ability to deliver healthcare services reflects the state’s commitment to its citizens’ welfare and fosters long-term national growth by improving human capital and productivity. A nation’s healthcare infrastructure plays a vital role in shaping economic output, as healthier populations are more likely to contribute effectively to the workforce, innovate, and drive forward a country’s social and economic engine.

    Moreover, healthcare advancements can serve as a unifying factor, bridging gaps in inequality and reinforcing trust in governance. The evolution of healthcare over the centuries reflects the continuous journey of societies striving for better living standards. From rudimentary herbal remedies to sophisticated surgeries and digital health solutions, healthcare advancements mirror human resilience and ingenuity. Societies prioritising health have often experienced more excellent political stability, longer life expectancies, and accelerated economic growth.

    Ancient Egypt stands out as a prime example of a society that understood the importance of healthcare. In Deir el-Medina, a village housing workers was constructing royal tombs, and organised medical care was provided, highlighting the existence of one of the earliest governmental healthcare systems. Egyptian medicine was advanced, incorporating surgical skills, specialisation, and formal training. Physicians such as Imhotep revered as the first recorded physician, set foundational practices for the medical profession.

    Modern parallels can be drawn to nations like Germany and Japan, whose healthcare systems are ranked among the best globally. Germany’s universal healthcare system, dating back to the 1880s under Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, covers over 90% of its population. The German system comprises comprehensive services, including maternity care, preventive medicine, and mental health support. Japan’s focus on preventive care has contributed to one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, with average life expectancy reaching 84.6 years by 2023. This is primarily attributed to regular health check-ups, early disease detection, and an emphasis on diet and exercise.

    Just as Ancient Egypt’s healthcare advancements reflected societal values, modern nations viewed healthcare improvements as essential progress indicators. Healthcare systems today drive societal growth by reducing mortality, enhancing quality of life, and enabling greater productivity and participation. However, a  2022 Lancet report ranking health systems performance using healthcare access and quality placed Nigeria at 142 out of 195 countries, right in the basement. The maternal mortality rate remains high, at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2023, the third highest globally. Only 39% of children were fully immunised, compared to the global average of 85, reflecting systemic challenges in healthcare delivery. High out-of-pocket expenses, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of medical personnel contributed to these statistics. However, countries like South Africa have an immunisation coverage rate of 82%, and Rwanda boasts a 95% immunisation rate, showcasing the potential for improvement through targeted healthcare policies and community engagement programs.

    At the start of 2024, there was a palpable sense that healthcare was returning as a national priority in Nigeria. This renewed focus came after the appointment of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate as Coordinating Minister of Health in 2023. Last year witnessed a pivotal change in Nigeria’s health sector. Public intellectuals must objectively criticise government policies and officials because that forms the basis for improvement and growth. This critique often highlights areas of concern and challenges and calls for action by government officials and institutions responsible for them. However, recognising achievements and encouraging and praising where necessary are essential. Recognising achievements in the health sector boosts public morale, reinforces trust, and fosters innovation.

    Under Professor Pate’s leadership, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) was introduced to overhaul the health sector by addressing systemic issues and driving sustainable improvements. The initiative is anchored on four critical pillars: strengthening leadership, policy development, and accountability; enhancing infrastructure, training, and healthcare delivery; encouraging private sector investment and local manufacturing; and focusing on preparedness and response to health emergencies. NHSRII aims to reduce healthcare inequalities, promote gender equity in access to services, and ensure the sustainability of health reforms.

    NHSRII is implemented through a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), which ensures coordinated action across all levels of government, aligns donor efforts with national policies, and fosters collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful progress. This integrated approach draws inspiration from successful models in countries like Ghana and Tanzania, where SWAp has been used to streamline donor funding and align development assistance with national healthcare strategies.

    One of the most notable achievements in the past year in the health sector is the reduction in under-five mortality by 16.7%. This decline, from 132 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 per 1,000 live births in 2023, marks significant progress in child health. The reduction highlights improvements in prenatal care, better nutrition programmes, and expanded vaccination campaigns. This significant reduction in under-five mortality should reassure the audience about the effectiveness and progress of the Healthcare system, instilling a sense of confidence and trust.

    In 2024, Nigeria achieved a milestone in HPV vaccination, with 12.3 million girls aged 9-14 years vaccinated across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), representing 96% of the target population. This achievement is the highest global coverage for HPV vaccination, providing a critical defence against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among Nigerian women, making this effort pivotal in reducing long-term mortality rates. The initiative also underscores the importance of community engagement, school-based vaccination programs, and public awareness campaigns. By involving the community, these initiatives make every individual feel integral to the process, fostering a sense of involvement and responsibility.

    In November 2024, Nigeria launched a malaria vaccine pilot program in Bayelsa and Kebbi states. Currently, 41,145 children have been vaccinated, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing endemic diseases. Malaria accounts for 23% of child mortality in Nigeria, and the successful pilot paves the way for nationwide expansion, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.

    Health insurance expansion is another critical area of progress. By 2024, all states had functional State Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs). Over NGN 12 billion has been disbursed, covering 1.7 million lives. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) surpassed its 2024 target by enrolling 2 million Nigerians, representing a 14% increase from the previous year. Currently, 19.4 million individuals are insured, marking an essential step towards universal health coverage and reducing the financial burden of healthcare.

    The healthcare sector is experiencing increased investment, with 74 pipeline companies actively discussing 22 significant projects. Most initiatives involve foreign manufacturers deploying funding to establish or support local manufacturing operations in Nigeria. This effort, amounting to over $2 billion, highlights the importance of regulatory support and market-shaping strategies.

    Human resources for health have also been prioritised, with 53,732 health workers retrained across 32 states, contributing to improved service delivery. This retraining programme equips frontline health workers with updated maternal and child health skills, disease prevention, and emergency response. The curriculum integrates the latest medical advancements and emphasises hands-on training, ensuring healthcare workers are prepared to manage various health conditions. This investment in human capital is expected to enhance healthcare outcomes, reduce medical errors, and increase patient satisfaction.

    One of the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system is workforce migration. The exodus of skilled healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad has led to a shortage of qualified personnel, straining the capacity of health facilities across the country. The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration was introduced in August 2024 to address this. This policy focuses on improving working conditions, offering better incentives, and providing career development opportunities to retain healthcare professionals. Salary increments, improved job security, and enhanced welfare packages are among the measures implemented to curb migration. Additionally, the initiative seeks to attract Nigerian healthcare workers from the diaspora, encouraging them to return and contribute to the local system by providing reintegration programs, competitive salaries, and grants for healthcare entrepreneurship.

    Despite the  modest progress, Nigeria faces budgetary constraints that threaten the sustainability of these reforms. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed 2025 budget allocates only 5.18% (2.48 trillion naira) to healthcare, falling short of the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration. This underscores the need for more effective use of available resources. The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) will be instrumental in ensuring that limited funds are maximised. By aligning donor contributions with national policies and creating a unified framework, Nigeria can enhance the efficiency and impact of health spending. Increasing domestic investment, fostering public-private partnerships, and expanding tax revenue allocated to healthcare will be crucial for sustaining progress and driving economic growth.

    In conclusion, Nigeria’s renewed focus on healthcare signals a critical turning point in the nation’s development. The progress achieved through initiatives like NHSRII, immunisation programmes , and workforce retention strategies reflects a broader commitment to improving public health. Recognising achievements in the health sector energises the sector. By celebrating milestones and addressing challenges proactively, Nigeria can build a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting future needs and improving overall societal well-being. Sustained investment, collaboration, and accountability will be essential in ensuring the longevity and impact of these reforms.

  • Healthcare: Oromoni flags off free hypertension, diabetes screening

    Healthcare: Oromoni flags off free hypertension, diabetes screening

    The Executive Chairman of Warri South West Local Government Council, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, has flagged off a compulsory hypertension and diabetes screening exercise in Ogbe-Ijoh, as part of the council’s efforts to promote healthcare and wellness in the community.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Oromoni said the screening exercise aims to identify and manage hypertension and diabetes cases early, reducing the risk of complications and improving the overall health of residents.

    “The exercise entails; Free screening for hypertension and diabetes; Distribution of free medications and medical supplies; Health education and counseling and Referral services for further medical attention.

    “This initiative is part of our administration’s commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of our people.

    “We recognize the importance of early detection and management of these chronic diseases, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our residents have access to quality healthcare services as it properly aligns with His Excellency’s MORE Agenda for Deltans” Oromoni stated.

    The screening exercise is conducted in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Health, local healthcare providers, and community-based organizations.

    All residents of Ogbe-Ijoh and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate in the screening exercise.

    The screening exercise will take place at designated centers across Warri South West including the council Secretariat in Ogbe-Ijoh from Monday 28th October to 3rd November 2024.

    For more information, please contact the Warri South West Local Government Council Health Department at the council Secretariat, Ogbe-Ijoh.

    This initiative demonstrates Hon. Oromoni’s commitment to improving the health and quality of life for the people of Warri South West Local Government Council.

  • Shettima unveils $4.8bn healthcare investment

    Shettima unveils $4.8bn healthcare investment

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Federal Government’s healthcare reforms have attracted over 4.8 billion dollars in potential investments.

    Speaking at the commissioning of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja, Shettima outlined a comprehensive strategy to address longstanding challenges and propel Nigeria’s healthcare system into the future.

    He emphasised the need for unity in the health sector, stating, “Our health sector calls upon us all to unite. The promise of this day is one we cannot overlook.”

    Shettima highlighted the government’s commitment to revitalising the healthcare system, with reforms anchored on a robust roadmap designed to tackle persistent issues.

    The Vice-President acknowledged challenges in the healthcare sector, including surging medicine costs, long hospital waiting times, and a shortage of health workers.

    He emphasised the importance of private sector involvement in improving access to quality healthcare.

    Shettima praised the Chairman/Founder of Sahad Group of Companies, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, for his contributions to healthcare and his commitment to touching lives through his business.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the hospital as a new chapter in Nigerian healthcare.

    He added that the establishment of the hospital was a vision that exemplified what could be achieved when public-spirited individuals invest in their fellow citizens’ health.

    The Vice Chairman of Sahad Hospital, Dr Shamsuddeen Aliyu, described the hospital as a state-of-the-art facility showcasing their commitment to providing quality healthcare.

    According to him, the hospital represents more than just a physical structure; it embodies the vision for a healthier future where everyone has access to comprehensive and compassionate care.

    He explained that Sahad Hospital has a 200-bedded capacity with seven operating theatres, 13 dialysis machines, as well as 10-bedded ICU units.

  • How Imo Govt hopes to enhance healthcare delivery

    How Imo Govt hopes to enhance healthcare delivery

    The Imo Government on Wednesday announced plans to enhance healthcare services in the state through Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Success Prosper-Ohayagha made the disclosure while interacting with journalists in Owerri.

    According to him, the measure will improve access to quality healthcare services in the state.

    Prosper-Ohayagha, a Reproductive Health Consultant and Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, said that the state’s Health Insurance Scheme was being strengthened to deliver quality services.

    He added that monitoring teams had been put in place to ensure that private health establishments do not deviate from approved operational guidelines, rules, and regulations.

    He said that health officials would regularly inspect private facilities to ensure professionalism.

    He also said that the inspection was to ensure that private health facilities were duly accredited and operating with government approvals and in conducive environments.

    The commissioner said that the health ministry has partnered with international organisations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund, to access funding and technical support.

    “We are also working in synergy with the Nigerian Medical Association and some international organisations to improve the quality of health services in our dear state.

    “Currently, the 305 health centres in all Local government areas are being renovated, while those abandoned by previous administrations are being revived “, he said.

    He called on patent medicine dealers and traditional medicine practitioners to live up to expectations and maintain acceptable standards.

    Also speaking, Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodimma on Networking, Ms Chantel Onwuzurike, reiterated the governor’s commitment toward attaining the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Onwuzurike said that the Government’s Health at Your Door policy would be taken to all the various autonomous communities across the state in no distant time.

  • Bill and the gates to Nigerians healthcare – By Owei Lakemfa

    Bill and the gates to Nigerians healthcare – By Owei Lakemfa

    Bill Gates, the American with a trophy as one of the World’s richest men, came visiting Nigeria last week. He publicly visited the Presidential Villa twice; first to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the second, to meet Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha and our governors who came before him with begging bowls for health aid.

    Despite Nigeria being one country, each governor had a separate health agenda and request, all expecting the former husband of Melinda French to grant their wishes. Although the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has a $50 billion endowment, out of which $7 billion has been earmarked for polio eradication, how do the governors and the Federal Government expect Gates to grant their separate requests, more so as Nigeria is just one of 196 countries in the world? If we must beg Gates for health hand outs, why can’t it be consolidated, or should we also have lined up the 774 local government chairmen before him?

    I reflected that it would have cost us a fortune to gather the governors and their entourage in Abuja given the fact that most would have flown down while those coming by road would have burnt fuel at N500 per litre. Such money, if spent on healthcare, would have helped.

    A day before the meeting, Gates had indicted Nigerian political leaders for poor investment in the nation’s health sector. He said government spends only $10 (N6,900) per Nigerian on healthcare annually compared to $31 in sub-Saharan Africa. He admonished that: “Leaders need to make a much bigger financial commitment, focusing most on improving primary health systems. Making sure clinics are well-staffed and supplied, making sure children get the vaccines they need.”

    What Gates was saying is that the primary challenge is not in begging for assistance, but what is Nigeria doing with the healthcare system? Part of the answer was given a day before the June 22, 2023 Gates-Nigerian Governors meeting when some 400 health practitioners met under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP. The theme, ‘Alarming Brain Drain In Nigeria’s Health Sector: Need For Emergency Rescue’, summarised the state of our healthcare.

    Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Rahman Mimiko, a medical doctor, had introduced a medical revolution ‘Abiye’ in the state; building and equipping emergency medical facilities within five weeks and striving for zero fatalities during childbirth. To achieve this, his administration had made a cost of taking care of a woman from conception to delivery and how to meet it.

    In his analysis why governments are not making much of an headway in healthcare delivery, Mimiko said: ”It is not the bricks and mortar that matter; it is the delivery. We spend so much on non-functional structures.”

    He posited that no nation develops until it takes the health of its citizens serious and that life expectancy reflects the development of every country.

    Mimiko, a two-term Governor and former Federal Minister for Housing and Urban Development, argued that health is a major investment and any government that is not making serious investment in health, is not serious.

    In arguing that subsidising the healthcare of the citizenry should be a basic commitment of any government, he said the United States which is the father of capitalism takes healthcare so serious that the sector is the biggest employer while in Britain, the National Health Service, NHS, is a second religion. He said many never realise how poor they are until they are required to produce money for healthcare.

    In making a case for the urgent equipment of health facilities and treatment of health practitioners as a special cadre, Mimiko warned that if the current rate of migration is not checked in the next five years, Nigerians may be at the mercy of traditional doctors.

    On the professional harvesting of Nigerian health practitioners by foreign countries, Mimiko posited that there should be bilateral agreements such that if the United Kingdom, UK wants 1,000 nurses from Nigeria, it should contribute to producing another 1,000 Nigerian nurses.

    In agreeing with Mimiko, Comrade Festus Osifo, the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, said if health practitioners are not provided the conducive atmosphere, any bill brought to the National Assembly to stop them from migrating, would be dead on arrival.

    Dr Godswill Chikwendu Okara, the Registrar, West African College of Medical Laboratory Science, in his forensic analysis submitted that health professionals are leaving the country in droves due to mass unemployment, poor salaries and work conditions, mass poverty, religious, communal and political crises. He said between April 1, 2022 and this March, over 3,300 Nigerian nurses and midwives trained in the country, were licenced to practise in the UK, while by March 31, 2023, 10,639 of them were practising in UK alone.

    Dr Okara’s solutions include a guaranteed peaceful environment, improved economy, access to competitive and fair paying jobs, better cost of living, strategic talent management, proper funding of tertiary education and allocation of more resources to education generally.

    NUAHP President, Dr Obinna Ogbona, said COVID-19 was the “most traumatic, challenging and calamitous period of monumental proportion (as it) claimed the lives of some health workers and infected several others who were carrying out their duties to save lives in various hospital facilities and isolation centres in the country”. He regretted that the brain drain is depriving the country of the best talents to provide healthcare needs.

    Former Minister of State for Environment and current Emir of Nasarawa, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, said most strikes, including in the health sector are due to the poor implementation of Collective Agreements, adding that in the first place, some agreements entered into by the government are not realistic. The health practitioners, he said, must develop team spirit to be able to serve the people.

    Begging Gates or other donors will not fundamentally improve our health system; in any case, such funds can easily be frittered away. First, like Gates advocated, the system must be funded rather than have left over bones thrown at it. Secondly, we must return to the First Republic system of preventive medicine; the period we had active health inspectors fumigating gutters and checking the environment we lived. Back to those days when incinerators were provided in various areas rather than now when in most parts, refuse is not cleared. The country also has to return to the building and promotion of the primary healthcare system as was under Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti when he was Health Minister. Our leaders also need to discourage medical tourism by developing a health system that would be good enough to treat them as was the case in the First Republic. These are some of the gates to adequate healthcare in Nigeria.

  • Pry healthcare: Experts blame increasing child mortality on corruption

    Pry healthcare: Experts blame increasing child mortality on corruption

     

    Worried by rising maternal and child mortality in communities across Nigeria, a medical doctor, and public health expert, Dr. Laz Ude, has lamented that the activities of corrupt health workers continue to undermine the ability of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) to deliver sound service.

    This assertion is coming against the backdrop of an investigative report exposing that maternal and child mortality is still increasing in Nasarawa State despite humongous sums spent on ‘The Saving One Million Lives Program for Results (SOML PforR).

    The Federal Government had initiated SOML PforR to stem the tide of maternal and child mortality in the country and save an estimated 900,000 women and children that die each year from preventable causes.

    Speaking during an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, in Abuja, Dr. Ude stressed that besides corruption, PHCs are weakened by inadequate numbers of health workers.

    According to him, there is no value for the $500m Nigeria received for the Save One Million Lives project, arguing that the Program may not have been able to save up to a thousand pregnant women. He added that health workers in PHCs compound the problem by indulging in stealing drugs, diverting drugs to their private clinics, or selling the stolen drugs somewhere.

    “I’m not sure if we’ve saved a thousand lives because the NDHS survey showed an increase in maternal mortality between 2013 and 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey, which is not good at all. We are not getting value for money.

    “A lot of things are being covered by corruption, but specifically, sometimes medications are made available, sometimes the health workers may sell a part of them or channel some to their private clinics – the bad ones among them, not all of them do that; people go to health centers and steal drugs or supplies to go and sell,” Ude stated.

    To curb the corruption bedeviling service delivery in PHCs, the health expert called for the strengthening of Village Health Committees and citizens to get involved and help the government tackle corruption in PHCs as they cannot do it alone.

    “The National Health Act 2014 and the World Health Systems 2018 made available for every village and community to have a health committee, and that’s like the ministry of health within that community or town.

    “This committee draws the attention to the primary health needs of the community and also helps to solve needs they can afford and make sure that their elected representatives hold health care workers accountable.”

    On her part, a media consultant and activist, Princess Halima Jubril, backed the strengthening of communities to monitor the day-to-day running of PHCs, which will, in turn, help the government reduce corruption in PHCs.

    Princess Jubril urged people living in rural areas affected by the prevalence of corruption to help the government and themselves check stealing at PHCs.

    “They should know it is just a volunteer job for your wives, your daughters, and your children not to die so that you will keep your children in the primary health care center, monitor the activities of the primary health center, and make sure that what is supposed to be done there is done right,” She advised.

    She noted that corruption was majorly responsible for the state of PHCs in Nigeria, stating that Nigeria does not have value for investments made in the health sector over the years.

    “When you look at the amount that international agencies have put into the Nigeria health sector, apart from that fact that Nigeria’s federal allocation to health is the lowest in Africa but then there has been so much assistance from the world bank, but so many of the funds are largely unaccounted for, “Princess Jubril averred.

    Earlier, investigative journalist Elijah Akoji said that despite the $1 million Nasarawa State received through the Saving One Million Lives Program in 2016, another $7.5 million PHCs are nothing to write about in local government areas of the state.

    His words: “The deplorable state of primary health care centers in Nasarawa is something to be worried about. For example, in Boku community, primary health care is like a place where you cannot rear birds.

    “We discovered that some of these women patronize traditional system, some of them prefer to go and deliver there instead of going to the hospitals, because there are no experienced midwives that will cater for them, no good facility, few workers and all this begin to raise the question that happened to the fund that is supposed to provide all that is missing,” Akoji disclosed.

    Nasarawa state records over 100 deaths of women annually through childbirth, especially across rural communities. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria accounts for over 34 percent of global maternal deaths.

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program used by PRIMORG to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • Tension as Nigerians in South Africa are denied access to healthcare services

    Tension as Nigerians in South Africa are denied access to healthcare services

    The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, South Africa has raised an alarm, saying that Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country are being denied access to basic healthcare services.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Consulate General of Nigeria made this known in a statement while urging Nigerians in the country to remain calm and seek healthcare services outside those owned by the government.

    The Consulate said the development is a complete deviation from what the South African government stands for as a country governed by the rule of law, confirming that the South African government has condemned the reprehensible action.

    While the Consulate believes that the South African government would intensify efforts to address the situation, it has advised Nigerian residents in the country to be vigilant and avoid possible volatile areas.

    The statement reads: “The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg is aware of action by some groups who are determined to prevent non South Africans from accessing basic health care services in the country, in breach of constitutional provision by the South African State.

    “This development is a complete deviation from what the South African government stands for as a country governed by the rule of law. The South African government has condemned the reprehensible action.

    “The Consulate calls on our South African broths and sister to have trust in constituted authority and allow relevant government officials to carry out their assigned duties, rather than resorting to protest and/or taking the laws into their hands.

    “It is the belief of the Consulate that the South African government would intensify efforts to address the situation. In the interim, members of the Nigerian Community are advised to seek healthcare services outside those owned by the government, where it becomes absolutely necessary. Nigerian residents in the country are also advised to remain vigilant and avoid possible volatile areas”.