Table of Content
- Prioritize Healthcare Sector
- Increase Budget Allocation
- Importance of Funding
- Doctors' Remuneration
- Respect for Medical Professionals
- Welcome Address
On Wednesday, stakeholders in the health sector urged governments at all levels to give priority to the sector and explore the numerous opportunities available through public-private partnerships to transform and deliver quality healthcare services for Nigerians.
This appeal was made during the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), themed “Beyond Crossroads: Unlocking Health System Potential through Partnerships” and sub-themed “Caring for the Caregivers: Doctors' Welfare and Mental Resilience in a Broken System,” which took place at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
The health stakeholders also urged the government to increase its budget allocation for the sector and expand health insurance coverage to 50 percent, expressing concern that currently, only about 4 percent of the country's total population is covered by health insurance.
During the event, former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, suggested that increasing funding while ensuring doctors' welfare is adequately addressed would lead to relative stability, preventing frequent industrial action by medical professionals.
He stated, “We need to broaden the health sector’s landscape and identify opportunities and potential around us, particularly in financing health, where private and donor capital can transparently contribute to system development.
“The Nigerian health sector is in dire need of assistance. We are not where we ought to be, but there is some progress in certain areas. In fact, countries that spend less than us have better health outcomes. This is largely because we are not collaborating effectively.
“If we promote transparency within the health sector and implement physician-led governance, systems, and processes that facilitate outreach, collaboration, and cooperation among various hospitals, we can attract significant resources that can help scale services in Ogun State.”
Dr. Ipaye also criticized the remuneration of medical doctors in the country, labeling it as “unacceptable,” and warned that it may deter younger generations from pursuing medical training.
“The compensation for doctors in Nigeria is insufficient. Sometimes, when I hear how much my colleagues earn, I question who would even want to study medicine in the first place. There is no justification for the level of commitment and sacrifice required to care for others' health, only to receive such meager compensation.”
Ipaye argued that to rectify this issue, the government should establish a payment system that compensates individuals according to their efforts.
Furthermore, Prof. Bala Audu, the National President of the NMA, noted that the theme was inspired by the potential of Nigerian physicians and the nation's healthcare delivery system, which has prompted some countries to recruit medical professionals from Nigeria.
He encouraged both federal and state governments to show doctors more respect and appreciation for their work and to enhance their welfare so they can contribute more effectively to the country.
According to him, Nigeria has the capacity to revive medical tourism and become a global hub for healthcare professional training; thus, it is essential to explore both public and private potentials to advance the country's healthcare system.
In his welcome address, the Ogun State NMA Chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, emphasized that this year's NEC theme is timely and relevant, asserting that collective efforts are essential to support and enhance productivity in the health sector.
Ogunjimi commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his current investments in the health sector and urged him to do more to improve the state's healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should the government prioritize the healthcare sector?
Prioritizing the healthcare sector can lead to improved health outcomes for the population, better working conditions for medical professionals, and increased efficiency through public-private partnerships.
What is the current coverage of health insurance in Nigeria?
Currently, only about 4 percent of Nigeria's total population is covered by health insurance, highlighting the need for increased coverage and accessibility.
How can doctors' welfare be improved?
Improving doctors' welfare can be achieved by increasing their remuneration, providing better working conditions, and ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued by the government.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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