Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
To increase their capital bases and increase domestic production of medicines and medical supplies, the federal government has provided loans totaling N100 billion to local pharmaceutical companies and healthcare investors.
It was revealed yesterday by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The president made this comment while hosting the new executive members of the Nigerian Medical Association at the State House in Abuja (NMA).
He explained that the loan was provided thanks to the assistance given to the private pharmaceutical industry by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He claims that models for revitalizing the country’s healthcare system in ways that improve the quality of care and the benefit package for healthcare providers are currently being investigated by the Health Sector Reform Committee, which is led by Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
The president addressed the issue of brain drain in the health industry and stated that he had instructed the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, to look into ways to turn “brain drain” into “brain gain” by enlisting top Nigerian medical experts in the diaspora in knowledge and skills repatriation.
In order to create a fast track to a health system that best meets the needs of Nigerians in the 21st century, he urged the association and other stakeholders in the health sector to support federal government initiatives and work with the Committees established.
The association, which serves as the governing body for all Nigerian medical professionals, was also praised by the president for consistently choosing a peaceful solution to disputes involving the country’s healthcare system.
In his words, “I commend our medical professionals for their contribution to Nigeria’s exemplary management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the control of malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis, and other feats also achieved by Nigerian doctors in the diaspora.
“Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic has received praise from all over the world, and your members have been essential to this success.”
“I recall that in the final quarter of 2021, the most recent NMA Executives came to see me and gave me recommendations for the health sector. These recommendations included the review and amendment of the NHIS Act, the upgrading and equipping of existing health institutions, loans to pay for hospital equipment, the repeal and re-enactment of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act, and an appeal for more funding for the four recently established Universities of Medical Sciences.
“I am happy to inform you that most of these recommendations have been addressed, while further action is being taken to study those involving cross-cutting administrative processes with legal implications.
The president also took the opportunity to congratulate Dr. Osahon Enabulele, a former body president and the first Nigerian to hold the office of President-elect of the World Medical Association.
The president wished him well and hoped that Enabulele would make the most of his position to support better health care delivery in Nigeria and other developing nations.
He also wished the newly elected NMA Executive Members a fruitful term in office and urged them to sincerely keep up their roles as judges of peace and advancement.
Ehanire, who earlier led the medical professionals to the audience, acknowledged that the doctors have been helpful partners with his ministry, contributing to the regulation of the health profession and putting an emphasis on high-quality service delivery.
The NMA President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, praised President Buhari for his unwavering fight against corruption, his support for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, which would “improve the health indices of our nation,” the formation of the Health Reform Committee under Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and the numerous infrastructure initiatives the Buhari administration has undertaken.
He urged the president to ensure that the NHIA Act is fully and properly implemented, that there is adequate work equipment, a favorable work environment, and the necessary budget support, and that the retirement ages for medical consultants and other healthcare professionals are increased to 70 and 65, respectively.
A Health Bank was also established, as well as the Hazard Allowance circular that was circulated in December 2021 with the arrears.
