The Nigerian Medical Association, Kano State Chapter, has called on various governments to employ the needed health workers and provide them with the conditions of service and environment to enable them operate effectively and keep them in the system.
This is just as the NMA noted that the increasing number of doctors and other health workers leaving the country, with those left behind bearing the brunt in the form of overwork, exhaustion, and burnout in a non-conducive working environment, is highly worrisome.
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The state NMA chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Suleiman, made the call while addressing newsmen on Monday ahead of this year’s celebration.
He said the call was necessary in view of the increasing number of doctors and other health workers leaving the country, noting that with those left behind bearing the brunt in the form of overwork, exhaustion, and burnout in a non-conducive working environment, is highly worrisome.
He said, “Our chosen theme for this year’s celebration is “This is our chance: To get it right in the health sector.”
According to him, “This week is celebrated every year in October to highlight the contributions of Nigerian doctors to the development of the health sector and the nation as a whole.”
“This year, from the 22nd to the 28th of October, the national body of our esteemed association and all state branches come together to celebrate the week.”
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This is our chance: to get it right in the health sector,” saying that “this theme resonates deeply with the current state of healthcare in Nigeria.”
It underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges we face, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare, insufficient funding, poor remuneration, and a shortage of medical professionals.
“The healthcare sector is the bedrock of any nation, and this theme reminds us that now is the time to bring about the necessary reforms, improvements, and collective efforts to achieve a robust and efficient healthcare system that caters to the needs of all Nigerians.
“The Abuja Declaration is a crucial commitment that obliges African governments, including Nigeria, to allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector.
“This funding will help us move towards the achievement of universal health coverage for all. As we discuss this sub-theme, we are prompted to assess how well we have fared in achieving this goal.
“Over two decades have passed since this commitment was made, and it is crucial for Nigerian authorities to reflect on their progress in meeting this commitment,” he said.
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The NMA chairman, who expression happiness over the progress being made in Kano State, urged the government not only to budget the 15% but ensure the release and utilisation of the funds.
“This theme serves as a reminder of the need for greater accountability and pushes for increased funding to strengthen our healthcare system, ” he added.
