Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, has announced the committee’s intention to push for the declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector.
This move aims to reposition the sector and better address the healthcare needs of Nigerians.
Magaji emphasized the multi-pronged approach required to tackle the challenges facing the nation’s health sector.
Speaking during an oversight function at the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti, Magaji assured that the health sector would experience positive changes when the necessary steps were taken.
The committee members visited the institution to assess health facilities in the Southwest region.
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During the inspection led by FETHI Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, several challenges were identified, including high power costs, inadequate water supply, poor access roads, ecological issues, uncertain manpower planning, and the need for facility upgrades.
Magaji expressed concern about the insufficient budgetary provision for health by the Federal Government, deeming it inadequate to effectively run hospitals given the country’s population.
He highlighted common problems faced by health institutions, such as a lack of equipment, manpower shortages, and inadequate infrastructure.
“The National Assembly, going forward, will be pushing for a state of emergency to be declared on Health because where we are now as a nation, it is not possible that health will be funded by the budget,” Magaji stated.
The committee members inspected various facilities, including the Isolation Ward, new Hispathology building, Accident and Emergency Ward, Assisted Reproductive Technology building, 150-bedded building, Molecular Laboratory, and Physiotherapy Building.
In addressing issues in the health sector, Magaji outlined the committee’s plans, including inviting national leaders of health unions for discussions on non-payment of arrears, bonuses, and salaries for health workers.
He also mentioned efforts to resolve issues related to employment or replacement in the healthcare sector and the expansion of quotas in medical admission at universities.
Magaji commended FETHI management for their resourceful use of available space and significant expansion.
The committee aims to collaborate with relevant agencies to address bottlenecks in the healthcare sector and improve medical education in Nigeria.
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