During a recent visit to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Hon. Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, emphasised the importance of consulting medical professionals before using any medications. He urged Nigerians to prioritise expert advice to ensure proper treatment for their ailments. According to him, there has been a rise in incidents of kidney and liver issues in the nation, with the blame falling on the public’s careless use of non-prescribed medications.
Several Nigerians often consume various medications such as Agbo (traditional herbs) and other unauthorised drugs without considering the consequences. This has led to a rise in the number of diseases among the population. To combat this trend, Nigerians are urged to abstain from using unauthorised medications and instead consult with medical professionals before taking any drugs when they are unwell. It is important to avoid purchasing cheap drugs from roadside vendors, as advised by the legislator. Instead, it is recommended to obtain prescriptions from reputable pharmacies and experts within the country.
People should purchase costly drugs rather than cheap and risky ones.
He noted that despite the widespread complaints about the high prices of medications in the nation, it was wiser to invest in costly drugs rather than risk one’s life by opting for cheaper alternatives. Nigerians were encouraged by the health committee chairman to prioritise their health by scheduling regular check-ups to monitor their well-being. It was emphasised that waiting until they feel ill is not advisable and that it’s important to visit hospitals or approved laboratories for these health assessments.
Magaji stressed the importance of regular health screenings, encouraging individuals to prioritise preventive care over waiting until they are unwell to seek medical attention. By visiting the Radiology Department for check-ups, people can gain insight into their overall health and provide doctors with valuable information for future visits to the hospital. Magaji believes that achieving universal health coverage is within reach by making necessary enhancements to the country’s healthcare Infrastructure and implementing measures to enhance the effectiveness of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Coverage should reach around 80% of the population.
The call for expansion in the capitation of national health insurance is growing wider. Currently, insurance only benefits less than 20 percent of the population. According to a statement made by the government official, the coverage should be extended to reach around 80% of the population in order to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare without having to pay out of their own pockets. At the oversight function carried out at UITH, Magaji revealed that the committee identified a significant discrepancy in the capital allocation provided for the hospital in the 2022/2023 budget.
Also, he pointed out that the budget for capital projects at the hospital was less than N1 billion, while the recurrent budget was about N14 billion. The committee believes that the hospital is not receiving adequate capital allocation, which is essential for improving infrastructure and updating key equipment. In order to reduce Medical Tourism in the country, it is crucial to invest in facilities and encourage a shift in the mindset of medical professionals, according to his evaluation. In his statement, he mentioned the committee’s dedication to boosting the financial resources allocated to healthcare facilities in the upcoming 2025 budget.
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In his remark, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf, who serves as the Chief Medical Director at UITH, expressed gratitude towards the committee and emphasised the importance of minimising medical tourism. He highlighted the productive meeting between the health committee and hospital management, during which valuable advice was provided. Prof. Yusuf elaborated on various obstacles the hospital faces, such as inadequate power supply, expensive diesel, and insufficient funds. Addressing those issues promptly will increase service delivery and propel the country forward.