THE Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) have called for improved universal health coverage and health workers retention to achieve an efficient and equitable health system.
The NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, said driving this would deliver quality, accessible and affordable care to citizens.
Audu appealed to the three levels of government to create an enabling environment in terms of improved welfare, standards, equipment and workplace security.
“The key issue is the welfare of health workers because we are already used to managing, but if you are managing and your welfare is not taken care of then you look for a greener future.
“There are even workplace issues, where you find some people will come and even try to beat health workers in their place of work. That is aside from the kidnap issues.
“If the government can address the minimum of these three issues, I can assure you that you will get Nigerian healthcare workers working as if they are anywhere in Europe,” he said.
He emphasised that minimum standards should be guaranteed at every level of care in both public and private health facilities.
“There must be enforcement of the standards, once you achieve that, Nigerians will be getting the best quality of care.
“And once Nigerians are receiving the best quality of care, you will find that people are coming from other countries to get the same kind of care in Nigeria,” he said. The president stressed that the care must be affordable through health insurance to prevent undue financial hardship on citizens.
Similarly, Dr Jonathan Esegine, Lagos State Chairman of ANPMP, said the health sector is a critical sector plagued with a lot of challenges, particularly the shortage of manpower.
