Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
A Nigerian medical practitioner and entrepreneur, primarily based in the UK, Dr. Charles Ojukwu, has referred to as on the federal authorities to as a matter of urgency, implement the 15 % budgetary allocation to well being, noting that this can assist in curbing the menace of mind drain.
In an unique interview with THISDAY, Ojukwu famous that the World Well being Declaration of 15 % was at a time when the nation’s inhabitants was lower than 200 million, including that with the current figures, the 15 % benchmark was the suitable factor to do.
He mentioned whereas 70-80 % of UK medical doctors of African descent are Nigerians searching for greener pastures, sincerity of goal and dedication is required ranging from the ruled to the leaders.
He mentioned: “The federal government wants to have a look at what the WHO suggestion for funds is for well being. Are we budgeting 15 % in well being primarily based on the Abuja declaration?
“If the federal government needs enchancment that’s commensurate with progress, it should keep in mind that our giant inhabitants should be factored in. So if the declaration was pegged at 15 % a number of years in the past, then we shouldn’t be speaking about this, we ought to be speaking about greater than 15 %, however we’re not even doing as much as 10 %. Some states should not even doing as much as 5 %.
“So, you see, the federal government doesn’t have that provision that may service the well being wants of the individuals. Lots of people arrange quacks, chemists, hospitals and others which is contributing to the dying fee of individuals within the nation.
“We shouldn’t be discussing this type of points in at this time’s world if we wish to make critical enchancment within the well being sector. How are you going to begin going to the police to get a report or certificates when any person could also be bleeding? So, the individuals making that legislation should not honest whereas making that legislation.”
He added: “In superior nations, having access to a physician, should be on appointment and that may takes days, and never right here while you get up within the morning and determine that you just wish to see a physician and that’s made doable. So, entry to see a physician is way a lot better in Nigeria than overseas, nevertheless, the emergency preparedness and medical emergencies is subsequent to nothing in Nigeria in comparison with overseas, and the purpose is the sincerity of goal is missing.
“I work within the emergency division and typically once I come to work, all of the medical doctors on that day, about 80-90 % of them could be Nigerian medical doctors. I’m utilizing the emergency division for example as a result of that’s the place I work.”
