Sam Ohuabunwa, the former head of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), has urged the Federal Government to initiate medical palliatives to prevent deaths caused by inadequate access to quality medication. He made the statement in Arochukwu, Abia State while attending the funeral of Grace Ugwu Ijiomanta, who passed away at the age of 102. He believes that the introduction of medical palliatives could reduce the number of deaths among Nigerians, particularly those living in poverty, who are unable to afford medication or adequately manage their illnesses.
He noted that past and current governments have focused primarily on providing food in their palliative programs. He argued that while food is important, medical palliatives are also necessary for these programs to save lives effectively. He attributed the increasing price of medication to the Naira’s depreciation and the challenges faced by the nation’s currency compared to the US Dollar. He also mentioned that most of the healthcare sector’s raw materials and final products were imported overseas.
Drug prices nationwide could be impacted by medical palliatives.
Also, he stated that providing this palliative could alleviate the impact of increasing drug costs in pharmacies nationwide. Inflation rates are high in the nation, leading to a decline in the value of the country’s currency. Since most raw materials and finished goods are imported, the government must take notice. In addition to focusing on the usual provision, they should prioritise providing medical assistance. Food assistance is well-known, but Nigerians require medical assistance to persevere in addition to nourishment.
To ensure access to quality healthcare, the government can further enhance the health sector by implementing policies focusing on preventive measures such as vaccination programs, health education, and regular screening services. These measures can help reduce the incidence of diseases and improve overall health outcomes for the population. By prioritising preventive healthcare initiatives alongside medical palliatives, the government can create a more comprehensive and sustainable healthcare system that addresses immediate medical needs and long-term health outcomes for all citizens.
Improving healthcare through infrastructure and professional training.
Investing in healthcare Infrastructure and training professionals is essential to improving Nigeria’s overall healthcare quality. The government can ensure that even remote populations can access essential medical services by building more hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centres in underserved areas. Also, training more doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers can help address the country’s shortage of skilled professionals. This Investment in infrastructure and human resources will enhance access to healthcare and improve the quality and efficiency of medical services provided to the citizens.
Promoting preventive healthcare measures is needed to reduce the disease burden on people. Implementing comprehensive vaccination programs, conducting health Education campaigns, and offering regular screening services can effectively prevent illnesses and improve overall health outcomes. By prioritising preventive care initiatives, the government can reduce the healthcare system and empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to maintain their health and well-being. This proactive approach can lead to a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system in Nigeria.
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Taking a comprehensive approach to enhancing the health sector is vital to guaranteeing every citizen access to quality healthcare. The government can improve the citizen’s well-being by implementing medical palliatives, infrastructure development, and healthcare professional training. The government can address immediate medical needs by prioritising preventive healthcare measures such as vaccination programs and health education campaigns while focusing on long-term health outcomes. This comprehensive strategy will ultimately lead to a more robust healthcare system that caters to diverse healthcare needs.