With a new administration in Nigeria, some stakeholders in Akure, Ondo state have demanded a more vibrant health sector as Senator Bola Tinubu becomes the 16th president of Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria.
The health sector is an important sector going by the popular adage which says health is wealth.
In Nigeria, the sector is faced with the problem of underfunding, with the sector getting less than the recommended global allocation in the national budget.
Although the 5.75 percent allocated to health in the 2023 budget was an increase from the 4.7 percent the sector got in 2022, health experts said more advocacy was needed to ensure the government surpasses the recommended 15 percent.
Another challenge facing the sector is brain drain which experts have said has to be checked.
It is in view of this that a cross section of Ondo state residents have appealed to the new administration to as a matter of urgency transform the health sector for a healthy nation.
One of them, Mrs Nike Sotounwa called for improved budgetary allocation to the sector as well as the proper utilisation of funds to check medical tourism.
Another resident, Mrs Tosin Akindoju stressed the need for regular training of medical personnel and upgrade of facilities in primary to tertiary health institutions.
For Mr Gbenga Adeyemi, the new administration should expand the scope of the National Health Insurance to accommodate more Nigerians and make it more efficient especially for the benefit of the masses.
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu want the new administration to tackle the issue of brain drain by implementing policies that are favourable to medical personnel.
The Chairman, National Association of Nurses and midwives in Ondo State, Mr Kehinde Olomiye who lamented the exodus of Nurses to countries abroad urged the government to revamp the health sector and make it more rewarding for all health workers.
Achieve 70 Percent of your promise-Anambra residents to Tinubu
Similarly, some residents of Anambra State want President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to work towards achieving 70 Percent of the promises made during his inaugural speech.
According to them, if the principles and policy thrusts outlined by the President is made practical, Nigerians will no doubt heave a sigh of relief.
In his inaugural speech, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu had promised that he ”will not rule but govern” the nation with proper consultations of the people.
In reaction to the statement, some residents of Anambra State have described the speech as a very articulate agenda that would turn things around if properly and conscientiously implemented.
A law- maker, Dr Pete Ibida said the security of lives and property was key as only when people are alive that they will enjoy another economic blueprint rolled out by the president.
He called on the new administration to pay attention to education and health sectors.
Another respondent and Civil Society Activist, Prince Chris Azor, who said the president needs a lot of dexterity to drive the exchange rate issues, however suggested that the issue of fuel subsidy removal should be handled in such a way the effect on the people, prices of goods and services would not be too much.
A Human Rights Defender, Mrs Eucharia Anaekwe while expressing the hope that women and youth will be carried along as promised by Mr president, called on him to reach out to every tribe and region especially in appointments to give the people renewed hope.
A Public Affairs Analyst and Community Leader in Awka, Ozor Obi Ochije who called on Nigerians irrespective of their political differences to give President Tinubu a chance, said if 70 percent of the content of the inaugural speech was implemented, Nigeria will become great once again.
FRCN
