Dr. Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to boost funding for Nigeria’s health sector. This assurance was given during his working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday.
During his visit, Dr. Salako praised the UBTH management team for their dedication and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. He emphasized the government’s recognition of the critical role health workers play in the nation’s development.
Addressing the ‘Japa’ Syndrome in the Health Sector
Dr. Salako acknowledged the economic challenges driving the ‘Japa’ trend, where health professionals leave the country for better opportunities abroad. He expressed confidence that the trend would be reversed as the government continues to address these economic issues.
“The ‘Japa’ phenomenon is largely an economic challenge, and while it extends beyond the health sector, we are committed to tackling it. Health workers remain among the best-paid professionals in Nigeria, reflecting the government’s prioritization of their welfare,” he stated.
President Tinubu’s Commitment to Healthcare
The Minister highlighted President Tinubu’s unwavering support for the health sector, noting that the administration has consistently responded to requests for improved funding and resources.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to the health sector. His administration has prioritized healthcare, and we will continue to advocate for increased funding to ensure the sector thrives. We urge health workers to reciprocate this commitment through hard work and dedication,” Dr. Salako added.
UBTH: A Key Player in Nigeria’s Healthcare Workforce
Earlier in the visit, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UBTH, described the hospital as a vital training ground for Nigeria’s healthcare professionals. He revealed that the institution trains resident doctors and produces specialized medical personnel, with 28 out of its 29 clinical departments fully accredited by the West African Colleges.
However, Prof. Obaseki highlighted the challenges of understaffing, noting that the hospital’s 250 consultants, 300 resident doctors, and 750 nurses are insufficient to cater to the over 500 patients who seek care daily.
Increased Funding Under President Tinubu
The CMD commended President Tinubu for the increased funding allocated to the health sector, which has enabled significant improvements in infrastructure and service delivery.
“Since President Tinubu assumed office, there has been a noticeable increase in funding for the health sector. This level of support has allowed us to undertake critical projects, including upgrading our physical infrastructure. Such funding has not been seen in many years,” Prof. Obaseki stated.
The visit underscored the Tinubu administration’s focus on revitalizing Nigeria’s health sector through increased funding and support for healthcare institutions like UBTH. With continued investment and collaboration, the government aims to address challenges such as understaffing and the ‘Japa’ syndrome, ensuring a robust and sustainable healthcare system for all Nigerians.
