Dr. Osahon Enabulele, the Immediate Past President of the World Medical Association (WMA), has stated that “the possibility of getting it right in the health sector, and Nigeria in general, would largely depend on exemplary leadership and improved commitment to the health of Nigerians by political and public office holders at all levels.”
Going further, he averred: “This will not only boost the people’s confidence in Nigeria’s health system, but will guarantee the sustained improvement and maintenance of health facilities, at local, state and federal levels.
“There is also the urgent need to give concrete expression to existing legislations (NHA, NHIA, e.t.c), policy frameworks and strategic development plans for effective and efficient governance of Nigeria’s health system (in a way reflective of the population needs and priorities).
“Additionally, it is imperative that the third tier of government (Local Government Administration) be strengthened to effectively superintend and manage the primary health care system which is closest to majority of the citizens.”
He was talking as the keynote speaker at a public lecture to mark the first Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital(IUTH) week held at the University campus in Okada on Monday.
Dr. Enabulele stressed that the theme of the lecture ‘Buildimg a Resilient Healthcare System In a Post Covid Pandemic Era: A Strategic Approach’ was apt considering that the Covid pandemic was a rude awakening to citizens across the globe.
Giving his strategic recommendation he said: “Globally, leadership and governance of health systems is considered a major pivot for health systems development. Indeed, strong health system governance and political commitment to the health of citizens has been linked to improved health status indicators and the prosperity of nations.
“Unfortunately, this is not the case in most developing countries, including Nigeria, where it has remained a fundamental undermining factor that has led to the sorry state of her health system.
“In Nigeria and most states of the federation, there is generally an unsatisfactory level of health system governance and political commitment to the health of the people, as seen in the poor budgeting for health/financial provisions for healthcare services in Nigeria and most of her component States; lack of effective policy and legislative frameworks and strategic plans for health system development; and poor utilization of local health facilities by political and public office holders with frequent foreign medical travels for sometimes basic medical conditions with tax payer’s resources (with the attendant loss of public confidence in existing health facilities and humongous capital flight).”
In his welcome address, Professor Godwin Bazuaye, the Chief Medical Director (CMD)/Deputy Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University stated: “Our chosen theme, ‘Building a Resilient Healthcare System In a Post Covid Pandemic Era: A Strategic Approach,’ underscores the imperative to fortify our healthcare infrastructure against unforeseen challenges. In an era marked by global shifts, our collective efforts and strategic planning become the cornerstone for a resilient future.”
