Lagos:Health practitioners are advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s economy with a focus on increased investments and funding in the health sector.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the experts argue that such measures are necessary to address current economic challenges and improve the well-being of citizens. They highlight the importance of a stable and effective health system as a key component in fostering national progress and overall good health.
These calls for reform were made during interviews commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. Experts emphasized the severe issues affecting the health sector, including manpower shortages, high inflation, and the rising costs of drugs and healthcare, compounded by the high cost of living.
Dr. Livinus Abonyi, a Medical Imaging Scientist and lecturer at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, stressed the need for an overhaul of the economic architecture and leadership principles to bring about positive changes. He noted the
visible hardship and inflation, which have led many Nigerians to lose hope, and the critical need to stabilize both the economy and the health sector.
Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, a Consultant Neuro-psychiatrist, advocated for increased funding of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to enhance their performance. She described PHCs as crucial for disease prevention, emphasizing the need for community health workers to manage these centers effectively.
Dr. Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria, urged the government to boost the health sector’s budget, particularly for mental health. He highlighted that only about five percent of the health budget is allocated to mental health, far below the WHO’s recommended 15 percent. Obindo called for the implementation of the Mental Health Act and the establishment of a dedicated mental health funding department to improve services and accessibility.