SECTION B: REVAMP OF PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Granted that the exodus of both experienced and ‘freshly-baked’ Nigerian medical doctors and nurses to the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Gulf countries and other foreign lands is a national tragedy yet unrecognized by our leaders, let alone prioritized to be tackled by government at all levels, the dearth of physical infrastructure in our hospitals makes it a twin calamity. My piece published on 1st of September, 2022 and titled “Effective healthcare exceeds edifices & equipment: Enlightening Obi, Tinubu & Atiku” notwithstanding, the inability of the acclaimed giant of Africa to have all her Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities equipped with basic outpatient gadgets, decent admission beds, solar power, cold chain equipment for vaccines’ storage, ultrasound scanning machines, nebulizers, basic laboratory reagents & kits etc. is shameful. Whereas, the duo of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) can be more intentional in ensuring that PHC facilities, through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) of the Federal Government, receive massive infrastructure advancement in 4 years (2023-2027).
In addition, the near-neglect of infrastructure upgrade of many General Hospitals (secondary level of care) over the years by the 36 State Governments and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should warrant an urgent national discussion to be led by the incoming President in 2023 for a holistic resolution. To strategically reposition the abysmal infrastructure profile of the Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centers that are within the purview of the Federal government is not rocket science. Yet, successive governments since 1999 have failed in supplying requisite amenities in these healthcare facilities to enhance their provision of 5 forms of healthcare services recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) to meet Universal Health Coverage (UHC). These are promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care.
Therefore, we hope the next democratically elected President will not add to the over two decades of failed campaign promises to equip Nigerian hospitals. Or aren’t you tired of these promises?
a. I’m tired
b. The infrastructure decay in our hospitals is bearable
c. God will provide healthcare infrastructure in His time
Dr. Adetolu Ademujimi is a Medical Doctor, Author, Reformer, Coach, Public Policy expert and social entrepreneur, who wrote in from Akure in Nigeria. Email: ademujimi@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: @toluademujimi; Instagram: @adetoluademujimi; Linkedin: @adetolu ademujimi
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