The need to upgrade the health sector

While it has long been recognized that increased national wealth is associated with improved health, it is only more recently that the contribution of better health to economic growth has been accepted. A study by European Commission in 2005 showed that health in low and middle income countries is no longer seen as a mere by-product of economic development, but as one of several key determinants of economic development and poverty reduction. This has helped pave the way for health to be included in national development strategies and policy frameworks in poor countries.

Although, World Bank data show that the expenditure on health sector as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in low and mefium income countries remains very small compared to high-income countries. The case of Nigeria is pathetic when compared to countries like Liberia, Lesotho and Rwanda. According to the data set from 2009 to 2012, Nigeria’s average health expenditure as a percentage of GDP was 6.05 compared to 14.65, 10.98, and 10.63 for Liberia, Lesotho and Rwanda respectively.

Nigeria really still does not have the kind of public health system that the country deserves. The life expectancy in Nigeria is about 55 years; while in other middle income countries it is about 70, and higher income countries more than 80. Hardly would one visit a clinic where there is water, electricity, trained workers and adequate drugs supply as well as computers and every other facility needed to function effectively. A lot still needs to be done to put an effective system of primary healthcare in place in this country. 

Against this background the Nigeria Medical Association declared a nationwide strike which has crippled health services in many public hospitals in Nigerian cities. In fact patients in most public hospital wards have been suddenly discharged because of the absence of the striking doctors. It is worthy to note that one of the major demands, according to the doctors is the need for government to reverse the decision to put the doctors as equals in terms of promotions and positions with other medical workers that are not doctors. 

While the demand for a regulatory environment for practice in the health care sector, funding of health care in Nigeria and expansion of Universal Health Coverage to cover all Nigerians, health infrastructural upgrade, reversal of fundamental injustices done to doctors in terms of workplace conditions/conditions of service, and other health sector challenges are quite legitimate and cogent, the strike is really unfortunate and regrettable. 

It is sad that in recent times the health sector has been perennially entangled in one strike after another in some cases due to ego and economic interests of the leaders, as well as supremacy battles among the diverse professional groups within the health care delivery system. It is enough that many Nigerians are dying from even preventable diseases. But for the situation to be compounded by strikes in the sector which is about the largest service provider after education is unacceptable.

The transformation agenda will not be encompassing without a conscious effort to improve the health sector both by the government and the medical practitioners. Thus, there is need for concerted effort at the Federal, State and Local government levels in Nigeria to harness the human and natural resources of this country to improve on the health status of the people.