Declare a “state of emergency” in the health sector – Oyo NMA Chairman

Vulnerable people and children have been included in the National Health Authority Act.

Senator Ibrahim Yahaya stated this in Ibadan at a forum organised by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Oyo State Branch.

Senator Yahaya who is also the chairman, Senate Committee on Health, noted that the previous Health Insurance Act does not include the vulnerable people such as artisans, physically challenged and children, who needed health care services more.

On his part, Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde said the state is recruiting new medical practitioners to fill the vacuum of health personnel who have left the country.

Governor Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Olabode Ladipo explained that, Oyo State was doing all it could to strengthen the health care system.

Contributing, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Oyo state Branch, Dr Ayotunde Fasunla, was of the opinion that a state of emergency should be declared in Nigeria’s health sector due to the mass exodus of medical practitioners, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to salvage the situation.

Dr Fasunla said, “In the most circumstances, we have treated and will continue to treat, those who are ill in our nation. We strive to satisfy the society’s health needs and expectations despite the fact that we work in an unfriendly, hostile and demanding environment.”

Chairman on the occasion, Emeritus Professor Oluwole Akande who is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the University of Ibadan, stressed the need for the health care system in the country to be urgently attended to without further delay.

Lillian Ibomor