HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA

THE WAY FORWARD

Nigeria diversity is unique in terms of human resources. She has produced doctors and healthcare professionals who compete with their counterparts in advanced countries. A large number of these people practice in foreign countries.

Yet ironically, Nigerians die due to poor healthcare system. Affluent Nigerians make frequent medical trips to other countries because they lack confidence in the expertise and facilities of this sector. This of course has fueled an increase in brain drain as many of our medical practitioners maximize their expertise in foreign countries. All of those monies that leave the country when our people travel out for medical care are also funds by Nigerians that could aid the growth of our economy.

To successfully tackle challenges facing the healthcare sector, the following points would needs to be addressed:

     - Provision of Modern Equipment The healthcare sector is not adequately equipped to cope with the health demands of Nigerians. Lives have been lost as a result of this. More modern equipments are required with proper management. Prompt replacement of outdated or faulty ones is very important and as a matter of fact, urgent.

      - Expertise
Medical error is a global issue but highly minimized in many advanced countries. However, it is a great concern in Nigeria due to unavailability of operational procedures or a clear understanding of it. There should be trainings to keep up with global acceptance. This will increase the confidence in Nigerians to seek medical treatment within the country.

      - Maintenance of facilities
To keep from witnessing the dilapidated nature of buildings and equipments in our hospitals, there must be an effective audit and routine inspection. The advantage would to reduce the total cost of maintenance and improve productivity.

      - Environmental Maintenance
A clean environment is vital in all hospitals. It is alarming to see some of our healthcare centers dirty. This poses a health risk for patients and visitors, as it is easy to pick up diseases from the facilities. There should be proper disposal and transportation of waste. Restrooms should be very clean. The air-conditioning systems should be routinely checked.

     - Financial Structure
The Federal Ministry of Health should carry out its responsibility in order to avoid strikes by medical practitioners. Proper working healthcare centers should be maintained. Healthcare should be affordable and accessible to everyone.

Nigeria is a great country. Steps to restore the healthcare sector should start now. Let us make a passionate call to Nigerian doctors in Diaspora to join hands and save Nigerian lives. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

Alice Usenideh
Nigeria