FG Plans Special Health Fund

President Goodluck Jonathan says his administration will explore the option of creating a special intervention fund to facilitate the establishment of more centres of medical excellence across the country.
Jonathan made this known in Abuja yesterday at an audience with a delegation from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) led by its President, Dr Osahon Enabulele.
He lauded the recommendation for a special fund that would give low interest loans for the establishment of state-of-the-art medical facilities, saying such a creative idea would receive appropriate consideration from government.
“We are committed to working with professionals and the private sector to establish better medical facilities in the country and reduce the number of Nigerians who have to go abroad annually for medical reasons,’’ he said.
He expressed his administration’s determination to resolve all issues that currently lead to labour disputes and strikes in health and education sectors.
“I believe that we must manage both sectors in such a way that nobody engaged in them will think of going on strike again.
“We will continue to proactively evolve measures that will help us to permanently overcome the problems that lead to strikes by health and education professionals.’’
He assured NMA delegation that his administration would create the right conditions for Nigerian medical professionals to stay at home and avail Nigerians of their skills and expertise instead of migrating to other countries.
The president said that he was determined to correct the anomaly of Nigeria being so strong in terms of human capacity in medicine, but yet being unable to treat many of its sick people in its own hospitals.
“There is clearly a missing link somewhere and we will do everything possible to fix it.
“We will continue to work with professional bodies and all stakeholders to come up with more policies and actions that will help us overcome current challenges in our medical sector.
“We will work with the National Assembly to ensure the quick passage of the National Health Bill. We will take prompt action to reconstitute the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
“We will also consider recommendations for the establishment of the Office of Surgeon-General of the Federation.
“I believe that we must always do what is best for our country. We will review all the other issues you have raised and act accordingly.’’
According to the President, when things are done properly, issues of welfare and remuneration in the health sector will disappear.
Enabulele had earlier assured Jonathan of the NMA’s support for his administration’s agenda for national transformation and proposed national dialogue.
He, however, called for the reconstitution of the main regulatory body in the health sector, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, which was dissolved in 2011.
He called for faster action on the passage of the National Health Bill and other issues related to the creation of an environment conducive for smooth operation of doctors and other healthcare professionals such as remuneration, welfare and training.
Our correspondent reports that Jonathan was decorated with the emblem of the NMA by Prof. Umaru Shehu, at the event.
The NMA delegation also included the Emir of Tsonga, Dr Haliru Yahaya, the NMA Second Vice-President, Dr Uche Ojinmah, and the Secretary-General of the association, Dr Akpufuoma Pemu.