Aug. 09 (THEWILL) – The federal government has disbursed a total of N100 billion to local pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare investors in the form of loans.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who announced it in Abuja on Tuesday at the reception of new executive members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), said the loan will help broaden the capital base and boost local production. drugs and medical consumables.
The President explained that the loan was granted thanks to the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria to the private pharmaceutical sector.
He said the Health Sector Reform Committee, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is currently exploring models to revitalize the country’s health system, so as to improve the quality of care and the package of services. to care providers.
Regarding the brain drain in the health sector, President Buhari said he had requested the Minister of Health to consider ways to turn the “brain drain” into “brain gain”, engaging the best Nigerian medical experts in the Diaspora in repatriating knowledge and skills.
He urged the Association and other stakeholders in the health sector to support government initiatives and work with the committees set up to chart a fast track towards a health system that best meets the needs of Nigerians in the 21st century.
President Buhari also commended the Association, which is the umbrella body for all medical practitioners in Nigeria, for consistently opting for the peaceful resolution of disputes on matters relating to the national health system.
”I commend our medical professionals for their contribution to Nigeria’s exemplary management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the control of Malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis, and other feats also achieved by Nigerian doctors. of the diaspora.
”Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic has received international acclaim and your members are key to that success.
”I recall that in the last quarter of 2021 former NMA leaders visited me and presented recommendations for the health sector, which included reviewing and amending the NHIS Act; modernize and equip existing health facilities; loans to finance hospital equipment; the repeal and enactment of the Doctors and Dentists Act; and Appeal for more funding for the four (4) newly established Universities of Medical Sciences.
“I am happy to inform you that most of these recommendations have been taken into account, while further actions are underway to study those involving cross-cutting administrative processes with legal implications,” he said. .
The President took the opportunity to congratulate a former President of the body, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, President-elect of the World Medical Association, the first Nigerian to hold the position.
While wishing him a successful tenure, the President expressed hope that Enabulele would use his position to support improved health care delivery in Nigeria and low income countries.
He also wished the new executive members of the NMA a successful term, urging them to earnestly continue to serve as arbiters of peace and progress.
Health Minister Dr Osagie Ehanire, who led the doctors to the hearing, said the doctors had been good partners with his ministry, helping to regulate the health profession, while emphasizing the delivery of quality services.
In his remarks, NMA President Dr. Uche Ojinmah said the new National Committee of Officers, NOC, was elected on May 21, 2022.
He praised President Buhari for his unwavering war on corruption; assent to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, which will “improve our nation’s health indices”, formation of the Health Reform Committee under Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and the various infrastructure projects undertaken by the Buhari administration.
Dr. Ojinmah directed the President to ensure full and proper implementation of the NHIA Act; the provision of “adequate work equipment, a conducive working environment and the necessary budgetary support”, as well as the extension of the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years and 65 years for non-medical doctors consultants and other healthcare workers.
Others include: the implementation of circularized risk allocation in December 2021, with arrears; as well as the establishment of a Health Bank.
He also requested representation from the federal government at the inauguration of Dr. Enabulele in Berlin, Germany, later that year.
