POOR FINANCING IS A MAJOR CHALLENGE IN NIGERIA’S HEALTH SECTOR – EXPERTS

Health for all is a necessity for the socio-economic development of any nation.

This is another way of echoing the popular adage: “A Healthy Nation is a Wealthy Nation.”

Radio Nigeria examines “The State of the Health Sector in the twenty years of the Nations Democracy.”

Traditional Medicine played an important role in the country up to ‘90s when orthodox medicine and health institutions made great strides in the provision of modern healthcare to its population in the last twenty years of democratic rule.

Among the most notable accomplishments were the expansion of medical education, the improvement of public health care and the provision of primary healthcare in Urban and rural areas.

One of the prominent stakeholders in the health industry, who x-rayed the state of the health sector in the past twenty years of civil rule in the country and the Dean faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Professor Felix Chukwuneke, noted that the sector was faced with many challenges in terms of affordability, efficiency and reach-ability.

Professor Chukwuneke, who is an expert in public health, explained that there was the need to look into the structural dynamics in which the country lived, pointing out that the problem of manpower, brain drain and facilities were some major impediments.

Professor Chukwuneke recommended creation of awareness and putting facilities on ground as ways to improve the situation.

The Chairman Hospital, Management Board, Enugu State, Dr. Arthur Idoko, while assessing the health sector said that the health care financing system in the country was not encouraging.

The Hospital Administrator, Enugu State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. John Chukwuani observed that the health sector had experienced little democratic process in decision making and recorded some achievements at the national and state levels.

Also, a consultant physician, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Dr. Cajetan Onyedum emphasized that had a long way to go in the health sector.

Other concerned citizens in the health sector interviewed by Radio Nigeria were of the opinion that with consistent efforts by leaders in the country and cooperation of the people, “health for all” would become a dream come true in the nearest future.

EMMA NWEKE