The National Coordinator/CEO, Afri-Health Optonet Association,
a coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs network and think-tank for Health, Community and Development Systems Strengthening, Dr. Uzo Adirieje,
has called on the National Assembly, to enhance the medical services in Nigeria, by adopting a rural hospital project.
He made this known while making a presentation to the Joint Committee on Rural Development and Health Care Services, of the House of Representatives, at the National Assembly, Abuja, where he posited that, “Our contribution on this Bill via this memorandum, by Requesting that every Elected officer or Political Appointee at the levels of The Presidency, National Assembly, State Governments, Federal and State Executive Councils, Senior Officials of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Adopt one rural Primary Health Centre as the first place to seek for care when sick or seeking healthcare for self, families, friends and dependents.
“Short of requesting that these our greater compatriots should adopt one PHC in their respective constituencies and own/support its operational activities by providing commodities/drugs, equipment, staff salaries, other operational costs.”
“We firmly believe that their patronage of such facilities will increase the profile, recognition and patronage of such facilities by health professionals, patients and other stakeholders.”
He said “Nearly 45% of physicians registered with the Nigerian Medical Council have left the country and a large chunk of Nurses will be retiring within a decade with no experienced hands to replace them.”
Adirieje noted that, “These catastrophic and perplexing healthcare indices are worsened by the continuing brain drain from Nigeria of qualified health care personnel seeking greener pastures or retirement abroad.”
“Within our shores, access to primary health care or qualified primary care personnel as well as to the BMHCP remains a mirage for the majority of the citizens.”
He said that, In the absence of fully implemented nationwide, Universal Health Coverage, UHC, the next medical diagnosis could mean a death sentence or financial ruin.
According to Adirieje, Presently, just about 5% of the population is enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, and mainly public service workers, our health systems is frequently embroiled in some industrial action in addition to being grossly under-equipped, ill-staffed and poorly funded by all the tiers of government.
“The success of the Scheme is to provide the approved Basic Minimum Health Care Package, BMHCP, for every resident of Nigeria.” he posited.
