NIGERIA‘s healthcare system is facing numerous challenges, leaving many citizens without access to quality medical care. The primary health centres, general hospitals, federal medical centres, and university teaching hospitals are overwhelmed and under-resourced, unable to meet the demands of the population.
The cost of healthcare services has skyrocketed, making it unaffordable for millions of Nigerians living below poverty line. With the economy worsening on a daily basis, more people are regressing into poverty. Hope appears elusive. This has led to heart-breaking scenes of sick individuals unable to purchase life-saving medications.
The removal of subsidies by the Nigerian government has exacerbated the economic crisis, further reducing access to healthcare. Some essential drugs manufacturers have moved out of the country to neighbouring countries, the existing ones are just struggling due to our harsh economic climate and their struggles are reflecting in the increases in the prices of their products.
We cannot fail in all areas. Education is down, health sector in shambles, our roads are not passable, security is in a mess, corruption and indiscipline are flowering. Nothing to point to as our achievement under democratic governance. A neglect of health sector is a demonic conspiracy to wipe out our people.
The healthcare sector has suffered from insufficient funding in the past few years, resulting in inadequate infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. This explains why the primary healthcare system for preventing diseases such as polio, cholera, and measles is virtually non-existent in many parts of this country. The emigration of skilled healthcare professionals has depleted the sector’s workforce, compromising the quality of care. Our best medical personnel are leaving for greener pastures abroad.
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Nigeria has some of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally. The situation is worsening by day. Life expectancy has dramatically reduced. Experts says it hovers between 35 to 40 years. Our people continue to die from preventable diseases. Healthcare expenses push millions into poverty, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. The current crisis is undermining Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.
If you visit any public health facility in Nigeria, you will shed tears, no matter how strong- or hard-hearted you may be.
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While Nigerians are groaning, our clueless and incompetent leaders, are busy making unguarded statements and utterances, rather than reflecting deep to find solutions. Even the advice that we should grab free food anywhere and whenever we find it by the uncommon Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, can only work for people who are healthy, but only hungry. What about the sick? If some angels were to take up the duty of dropping free food for Nigerians, the sick will still have challenge accessing the food.
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which is supposed to help both the rich and the poor have a common pool of fund, has been crippled by widespread corruption. Its effectiveness has been seriously hindered.
It is important at this juncture for government to pay serious attention to health care delivery, otherwise what is looming will seem unmanageable.
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It is pertinent for us to Implement a comprehensive healthcare system to ensure access to quality care for all citizens. Government should allocate sufficient resources to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and workforce, implement robust anti-corruption policies to ensure effective management of healthcare funds. If possible, review NHIS policy for better effectiveness.
Effective handling of healthcare crisis in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that prioritises access, affordability, and quality of care. By implementing these reforms, Nigeria can strengthen its healthcare system, improving the well-being of its citizens and promoting economic stability.
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We cannot fail in all areas. Education is down, health sector in shambles, our roads are not passable, security is in a mess, corruption and indiscipline are flowering. Nothing to point to as our achievement under democratic governance. A neglect of health sector is a demonic conspiracy to wipe out our people.
Comrade Amechi, Lagos-based trade union activist, will write this column, ‘The Observer’s View, every Tuesday.
