By Chigbu Nwaobia
The recent strike by health workers in Nigeria has once again highlighted the deep-seated problems plaguing the country’s healthcare system. The strike, which was called by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Allied Health Professionals Association (AHPA), has paralyzed 73 Federal Health Institutions (FHIs) and non-hospital based facilities, leaving millions of Nigerians without access to quality healthcare.
The strike is just the tip of the iceberg, as the healthcare sector in Nigeria is beset by numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. The situation is further exacerbated by the brain drain of Nigerian healthcare professionals to other countries, attracted by better working conditions and higher salaries.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has been vocal about the need for reforms in the healthcare sector. In a recent courtesy call on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency, Senator George Akume, the PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, emphasized the need for improved funding, infrastructure development, and capacity building for healthcare professionals.
“The healthcare sector is the backbone of any nation, and Nigeria is no exception,” Pharm. Tanko said. “We need to invest in our healthcare system to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services.”
The PSN has also called for the implementation of the Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS), which is the operating wage payment platform for JOHESU/AHPA members and nurses. The CONHESS has been a contentious issue for several years, with health workers demanding its implementation to address the disparities in their salaries and allowances.
The strike has had a devastating impact on the healthcare system, with patients suffering the most. Many Nigerians have been forced to seek medical attention in private hospitals, which are often expensive and inaccessible to the majority of the population.
The situation is a stark reminder of the need for urgent reforms in the healthcare sector. The government must take concrete steps to address the concerns of health workers, improve funding, and invest in infrastructure development.
As Pharm. Tanko noted, “The healthcare sector is a critical component of our nation’s development, and we must work together to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services.”
The PSN has pledged to continue to work with the government to drive reforms and improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria. It is imperative that the government takes the PSN’s recommendations seriously and takes concrete steps to address the challenges facing the healthcare sector.
The health of a nation is a reflection of its development, and Nigeria’s healthcare system is crying out for attention. It is time for the government to act and ensure that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services.
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