The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised alarm over the adverse effects of the high exchange rate on the health of Nigerians, as the cost of essential drugs and medical supplies has surged beyond the means of average citizens.
Dr. Babatunde Rosiji, Chairman of the NMA Ekiti State Branch, has highlighted the challenges faced by patients dealing with chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, who are struggling to access a consistent supply of medications due to soaring costs.
He also noted that patients are hesitating to seek early medical care due to economic constraints.
Addressing a press conference in Ekiti to commemorate the 2023 Physicians’ Week, Rosiji urged the government to take immediate action to prevent an impending crisis.
He emphasized the need for health insurance to align with the current economic realities, as the current pricing of drugs in insurance schemes is increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians.
Furthermore, Dr. Rosiji called upon the government to reconsider its decision to discontinue funding for the Medical and Dental Council starting next year, emphasizing the importance of maintaining support to avert potential disasters in the healthcare sector.
“The job of MDCN, which is regulation of medical and dental practice is so important that funding it by the government is appropriate. If we stop funding the MDCN, I wonder who will want to do it. Probably the doctors and dentists will take over funding a body that regulates and may punish them if necessary,” he said.
The NMA chairman, who said the brain drain in the sector hurt the health and families of doctors, expressed hope that “the community we serve will recognize this and appreciate the few hands remaining rather than antagonize and fight them.
“We as an association are exploring all peaceful avenues towards securing some economic reprieve for our beloved members. Despite the increased workload occasioned by the worsening brain drain, our members across all the hospitals have taken it upon themselves to provide clinical services that are rendered seamlessly.
“I must single out the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for his dogged commitment and resolve towards making the health sector in Ekiti State work.
“While we have made a resolve to toe the path of advocacy and dialogue in the interest of Ekiti people, we have been equally blessed with a governor who has listening ears and who is accommodating of positive ideas,” Rosiji submitted.