Medical doctors in Nigeria have suggested the effective implementation of the NHIS.
The medical doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) gave this recommendation.
At the opening of the 2021 Physicians’ Week in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the doctors gave key notes on improving the health sector.
The doctors reviewed events in the past 12 months in the health sector.
Prof Innocent Ujah called for an overhaul of the nation’s health sector. He made this call at the event themed ‘Nigeria in the COVID Era: Health Systems Strengthening for National Security and Prosperity.’
He advised the Federal Government to ensure full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the NMA. He also called for an improved budgetary allocation and implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
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“The week is used to celebrate ourselves. Like doctors, who are contributing to effective health service delivery, health research, and national development. We also use this period to reflect and review events of the health sector in the past 12 months. Our achievements and challenges, so that we can design the way forward to improve the health of our people,” Ujah said.
He also revealed the addendum for the week. Ujah said the activities lined up for the week are;
· Advocacy to critical stakeholders in the 36 states and FCT.
· Brainstorming on challenges of the health sector and proffering of solutions.
· There will also be media engagements to create more awareness on the importance of strengthening the health system.
* Management, continuous medical education and medical outreaches.
Ujah also lamented the impact of COVID-19 on Nigeria’s poor health sector.
He said that “This has resulted in the call for a total overhaul of the nation’s health sector. With the need to improve on financing in terms of budgetary allocation. Effective implementation of NHIS, while enacting a law that will make the scheme compulsory for all adult Nigerians. As well as exploring alternative healthcare financing initiative like the proposed Health (Infrastructure) Bank by the NMA.”
