Olushola Omogbehin
As part of the efforts to resuscitate Nigeria’s ailing health sector, a former Governor of Ondo State, Dr, Olusegun Mimiko has called for the implementation of policies that will restore the nation’s health sector
The former governor made this call on Wednesday in Ibadan during the 37th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Committee of Directors of Health Services in Nigerian Universities (CODHESNU).
Emphasizing on the need to identify the implication of brain drain to the health system of Nigeria, he admonished government to not only develop policies that will retain health workers but to see implementation of such policies as a challenge that must be addressed.
Addressing the issue of funding as another challenge facing health sector, Mimiko said the current funding stood at below 5 per cent of national budget in spite of the Abuja Declaration of 15 per cent.
“Of course, apart from funding, we look at the entirety of our health system, including our training and incentive for career progression.We must engage diplomatically with the countries that pool our health force. It is the totality of systemic action,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale admonished the university health directors to take collective and strategic responsibility in discharging their roles.
“By facing current issues and planning together, universities can build a stronger and healthier future,” he said.
On the role of the Nigerian university health service, the Oyo State Commissioner of health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, said that they were established to provide comprehensive care to students and staffers so they can be productive academically.
Bemoaning the challenge of infrastructural limitation, weak integration with national health systems and brain drain, she said clear policies, adequate funding and effective collaboration between governments at all levels and private sector will bring the needed improvement to university health centres.
According to her, a forward-looking approach to building a healthy academic environment is crucial to national development as it will ensure that every member of the university community has access to quality healthcare.
In the address of the Chairman of CODHESNU, Dr Lekan Ador, he said the committee is a forum for innovation, collaboration and knowledge –sharing among university health directors.
He also noted that the major challenges confronting university health centres are poor funding for health insurance programme, staff shortage due to brain drain and infrastructural decadence.
In order to put a lasting solution to this, he advocated for indemnity insurance and standard career progression for medical personnel.
He eulogized the University of Ibadan’s health service as a model due to the innovation and visible commitment of students and staffers.
