Eko Hot Blog reports that the Honourable Minister for State Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, shed light on the solution to existing hurdles within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
He addressed this in a recent interview with NTA on January 27, 2024.
Dr. Alausa acknowledged the sector’s historical functionality but highlighted its failure to adequately serve the populace before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure and the changes thereafter, stating,
“Before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, the healthcare sector was relatively functional but did not adequately serve the population. Since President’s inauguration, healthcare has been a key focus of his administration, aligning with his campaign promises.
“Under his leadership, changes have been made, though there’s room for improvement, we’re on the right path.
Addressing the “japa syndrome” prevalent among healthcare professionals, Dr. Alausa emphasized the need to improve work conditions and enhance the welfare of healthcare workers, he said,
“The “japa syndrome” in healthcare reflects dissatisfaction with work conditions rather than financial motives.
To address this, we need to ensure optimal work environments and better welfare for healthcare workers.
The Honourable Minister for State Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa
“Leveraging our large population, efforts to increase healthcare production have been prioritized to address immediate challenges.
“Before President Bola’s recent actions, only 28,000 nurses were enrolled in nursing schools, a figure now increased to 68,000, with a target of over 120,000 enrollees by year-end.
“The government is expanding nursing school capacities and enhancing healthcare infrastructure with significant funding in the 2024 budget.”
“In response to alarming reports of illegal organ harvesting, stringent measures are being implemented. Law enforcement agencies and medical councils are actively involved in ongoing investigations to combat this illicit practice,” he added in regards to the issue of organs harvesting
Alausa emphasized the government’s stance against quackery in healthcare. He outlined the four pillars of governance, stressing the importance of health beyond physical security, and vow to address illegal organ harvesting.
He urged against organ selling, highlighting health risks and legal consequences.
Alausa acknowledged the interviewer’s awareness and discussed organ procurement services in the United States and the United Kingdom.
He explained the process of organ transplantation, including tissue typing and matching, highlighting the need for such systems in Nigeria.
Additionally, he mentioned meeting with the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Council to develop a kidney plan and address healthcare sector challenges.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of healthcare for economic prosperity and outlines measures taken by the government to improve the healthcare system.
These include changes in research methodology, strengthening primary care, mobilizing resources, enhancing governance, and regulating hospitals.
He also mentioned the President’s concern about the high cost of medical consumables and plans to address this issue through executive orders.
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