National Assembly Advocates Health Sector Emergency Declaration for Nigeria’s Overburdened Healthcare

Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, disclosed the National Assembly’s intent to push for the declaration of a health emergency. This strategic move aims to overhaul Nigeria’s beleaguered health sector and align it with the populace’s pressing healthcare needs.

During the oversight function of health facilities in the Southwest, Magaji emphasized the multifaceted approach required to address the sector’s challenges. He assured imminent reforms to revitalize the sector.

Visiting the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti (FETHI), Magaji and the committee inspected numerous facilities, revealing critical challenges such as high power costs, water supply shortages, dilapidated access roads, ecological issues, staffing uncertainties, and a need for upgraded medical facilities.

Highlighting the budgetary constraints crippling hospitals’ efficiency, Magaji stressed the inadequacy of the meager annual allocation by the Federal Government. He underscored the urgency for a state of emergency in the healthcare sector, citing recurrent challenges prevalent across various health institutions, including insufficient equipment and infrastructure.

The Committee pledged to engage health union leaders and relevant government agencies to address pending arrears, bonuses, and salary payments to healthcare workers. Additionally, plans include resolving employment bottlenecks and expanding medical admission quotas in universities to attract more students to the medical profession, ensuring an ample healthcare workforce.

Commending FETHI’s resourceful use of available resources, Magaji acknowledged the hospital’s significant expansion efforts despite budgetary constraints.

The proposed emergency declaration by the National Assembly intends to initiate critical interventions and systemic reforms imperative to address Nigeria’s healthcare deficiencies and foster a more robust and accessible healthcare system.

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