By Philip Austin
Few days ago, President Bola Tinubu submitted to the Senate for confirmation list of his new ministerial nominees including old ministers who were reassigned with new portfolio.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed on his verified X handle on Sunday 3rd November that President is expected to swear in seven new Ministers on today Monday 4th November, marking a significant development in the Renewed Hope administration’s restructuring efforts.
The tasks ahead for both the old and new minsters in the Tinubu’s administration is crucial in giving or renewing daunting hope of Nigerians in the midst of several challenging issues ranging from the troubling economy to failing healthcare sector where we are losing our best Doctors and medical practitioners to the Western countries. THE JAPA PALAVER.
The new Ministers of State for Health, Dr. Salako Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye must come to the full realisation that for a sector that is faced with so many challenges, Nigerians expect so much from him as the incoming minister of state for Health.
In Nigeria public health sector investment is not among the best globally; maternal and infant mortality remain among the highest in the world while brain drain is surging due to ill-political interference in critical healthcare governance and management as witnessed recently in some health facilities in the country, including Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu.
Dr. Salako Adeboye, the new Minister of State for Health, has a daunting task ahead of him in revamping poor hospital management nationwide. Here are the top 5 agendas he needs to urgently address:
1. Improving Healthcare Infrastructure with the right clinical governance oriented personnel at the helm of affairs.
Many hospitals in Nigeria lack basic infrastructure, making it difficult to provide quality healthcare. Dr. Adeboye needs to prioritize investments in hospital infrastructure, including building renovations and equipment upgrades.
2. Enhancing Healthcare Workforce Capacity: Nigeria faces a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas. Dr. Adeboye should focus on training and recruiting more healthcare workers, improving staff welfare, and implementing retention strategies of these very best of the Country crying neglect, discriminations and political maladjustment.
3. Addressing Brain Drain due to Malicious Healthcare Political Interference:
Nigeria’s healthcare sector is experiencing a surge in brain drain, with many healthcare professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities. Dr. Adeboye needs to address the root causes of brain drain, including poor working conditions, and lack of opportunities for career advancement for young Doctors and medical practitioners. A typical example under the last Minister of State for Health was the accusation of pushing for a female friend of his (Dr Unogu Ngozi) who failed her interview during the examination as Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu, as against one Dr. Andrew Orovwigbo, who we learnt emerged victorious in the interview and examination conducted, yet denied his right. The lady was given a substantive letter after failure because she bragged prior to this day that failure can triumph over merit. She actually got it. Nobody can tell how Dr Alausa did it. Is it any manipulation of the President, Chief of Staff or the SGF? Did he forge the result already in the open and told Mr President a different thing as the basis of his recommendation. Many good doctors have left because of Mr Kitchen cabinet manner of settling official issue. He must reverse the appointment letter based on merit just to show his kind objectivity on issue.
4. Universal Health Coverage:
Nigeria’s Universal Health Coverage remains low, leaving many without access to essential healthcare services. Dr. Adeboye needs to work towards increasing coverage and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare. And need to strengthen the National health insurance authority with the provision of the best drugs given its pool of funds.
5. Health Emergency Preparedness:
Nigeria’s health emergency preparedness remains low, making it difficult to respond to outbreaks and emergencies. Dr. Adeboye should prioritize improving emergency preparedness, including investing in emergency response systems and training healthcare workers. Ambulance services and fire services must work in Synergy.