The Burden of Healthcare Neglect: What poor leadership is costing Nigeria –Report

*Several Nigerian leaders have travelled overseas for medical treatment, a situation often resulting in significant financial costs and strain on the country’s economy

Web Editor | ConsumerConnect

The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in a London hospital has reignited discussions about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the implications of leaders seeking medical treatment abroad.

This phenomenon is not unique to Buhari, as many Nigerian leaders have travelled abroad for medical treatment, often resulting in significant financial costs and strain on the country’s economy.

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare

However, this abnormal way of doing things in Nigeria is the motivating factor behind this piece by this author.

It is no more a secret that Nigeria’s healthcare system is plagued by inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of skilled healthcare professionals.

This has resulted in a system that is unable to provide quality care to its citizens, forcing those who can afford, to seek treatment abroad.

The implications of these are far-reaching, from the economic burden on individuals and families to the country’s balance of trade.

On the economic implications, it isn’t also not in doubt that when leaders like former late President Buhari travel abroad for medical treatment, it not only highlights the inadequacies of Nigeria’s healthcare system but also puts a strain on the country’s economy.

When a one-time Senate President Joseph Wayas of Nigeria spent years abroad for medication and died there, and his remains continued to be there, until through God’s mercy, his remains were brought back for burial in this country.

It doesn’t take a child or a novice much time to observe that the cost of medical treatment abroad is often exorbitant, and the loss of Foreign Exchange (Forex) can have significant implications for the country’s balance of trade.

According to a study, Nigeria’s total merchandise trade had improved to N12.05 trillion, with a trade surplus of N927.2 billion.

However, the country’s reliance on imports, including medical equipment and services, can quickly turn this surplus into a deficit.

Having a perusal at leadership and accountability in Nigeria, the question that has over the time cried for an answer remains, whether Nigeria’s leaders are prioritising the right areas.

With a healthcare system in crisis, it’s imperative that leaders invest in healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and equipment.

Instead of relying on foreign medical services, Nigeria should be building a robust healthcare system that can cater to the needs of its citizens.

This requires visionary leadership, accountability, and a commitment to putting the needs of the people first.

There is always lessons for the leaders, the rich, and the led.

Good leadership, having the people’s interest at heart, and total and strict avoidance of greed and fear of God are essential ingredients that make one come out as a good leader.

Nigerian leaders must prioritise the healthcare sector and invest in its infrastructure to avoid seeking medical treatment abroad.

This will not only improve the healthcare system but also reduce the financial burden on the country.

To address the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, the government should consider the allocating more resources to the healthcare sector to improve infrastructure, equipment, and personnel; invest in healthcare infrastructure, and develop modern healthcare facilities and equipment to provide quality care to citizens.

The relevant authorities should also develop human capital and train and retain skilled healthcare professionals to provide quality care and promote local medical tourism, and encourage Nigerians to seek medical treatment locally by providing quality care and services.

By prioritising the healthcare sector and investing in its infrastructure, Nigeria can build a robust healthcare system that caters to the needs of its citizens.

This requires leadership with conscience and a commitment to putting the needs of the people first, so I think. (Piece extracted from The Authority Newspaper)

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