By Sola Ogundipe

FORTUNES of the nation’s health sector have slumped following long years of decay and decadence, and there is no doubt that a repositioning is overdue. The transformation to a sector that gives reason for hope and cheer is desirable. There is a plethora of expectations Nigerians want from a health sector rife with tales and expressions of fear, sadness and death. Nigeria currently has some of the poorest health indicators in the world and attention should be more focused on improving these national health indices. Change must begin with the leadership through increased political commitment at all levels, enforcement of professionalism and a defined framework for health practice that clearly defines roles and responsibilities within the system.

Local health industry

A good start should be the restriction of government funding of foreign medical trips of political and public office holders, and more commitment to improving and developing the local health industry.

The expected change must include liberation from the burden of inhibiting strikes, sustained high infant, child and maternal mortality and morbidity, increasing disease burden, etc. The reduction of newborn, infant, child and maternal mortalities, in addition to better health indices and improved overall life expectancy, are also high on the list. Achievement of Universal Health Coverage where all citizens have access to quality healthcare, improved co-ordination, integration and implementation of health policies is the dream of millions. Equitable distribution of the health workforce increased funding and realistic budgetary provisions for health as well as strengthening of the primary level of health care are part of the expected package.

Nigerians expect change in the form of healthcare services that are robust, affordable, available and accessible, even as the populace look forward to a realistic and sustainable national health insurance scheme that will break the chain of out-of-pocket payment for every basic health requirement.

There should be fostering of unity and harmony among health care professionals, towards ending the perennial health sector crises arising from inter professional and intra professional wrangling as well as health worker strikes. The restoration of public confidence in the sector is primal. Initiation of reforms that will usher revolution in the industry, through better investment in research and development, realistic policy changes that would guarantee adherence to the rule of law, and effectual political commitment.

Nigerians want a reform in the health sector. Period.

This ultimate desire for positive change is motivated by the need to address fundamental deficiencies in health care systems that affect all health care services.

The bottom line is for emergence of a sustained process of fundamental change in policy and institutional arrangement, guided by government, designed to improve the functioning and performance of the health sector, and ultimately the health status of the population.