By Austin Okoro
To improve the quality of health in Nigeria, 15% of Nigeria total budget should be dedicated to the health sector of the Economy says the wife of the deputy governor of Imo state, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs Bola Njoku.
She stated this during the luncheon organized by the members of Nigeria Medical Association Imo state chapter at RockView hotels Owerri weekend, in celebration of the 2022 Physician’s week.
Dr Bola Njoku who received an award for her excellent innovation in the medical world said health is central to development of humans and reduces poverty; and should be given major priority attention by the government.
In his speech, the Imo state chairman of Nigeria Medical Association,NMA, Dr Obiesi Chidi Nnaemeka who noted that the 2023 Presidential election must produce credible leadership described the 2023 Physician’s Week as a successful event.
While narrating the series of activities for the event, noted that, it was a week filled with programmes for the doctors.
He said, the program started on Monday with creating awareness through the media by visiting radio and television stations. Visiting of the elderly persons in the profession. Visiting of secondary Schools and educating them of the dangers of drug abuse and other social vices. Played a novelty March with members of Nigeria Bar Association NBA and defeated them. Held scientific conference and the key note speaker was the wife of the deputy governor, Her Excellency, Dr Mrs Bola Njoku and she did justice to the topic of this year which is, Nigerians’ health care delivery system and 2023 Democratic Transition: A time to change the narrative. Had our Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of our Lord, CATOL and ended up with a Luncheon at the Rock view hotels, Owerri.
Dr Obiesi who condemned medical tourism abroad, said the theme of this year hinges on the 2023 Democratic Transition, stressing that they would ensure that the presidential candidates will tell them what they have in stock for the health sector before they can pinch their tenth with any of them.
One of the resource persons, Dr Benjamin Anyanwu urges the government to enforce Private Public Partnership PPP arrangement where about 40% of investment in government hospitals should come from the Private sector as this will lead to efficient service delivery.
An Elderly Doctor, Sir Dr Francis Onyejiaka in his contribution said the government should increase funding for the health sector and improve on the welfare of the medical practitioners as in so doing the younger doctors will settle down and do their work instead of looking for greener pastures abroad.
