In this interview, Patrick Odey speaks with the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, Dr. Aniekan Peter, on the challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector, including underfunding, brain drain, and quackery.
Why does the NMA keep raising concerns about underfunding in the health sector?
Healthcare is one of the most important areas any government can invest in because it directly affects human lives. Health and education should always be top priorities, as they go hand in hand. When people are educated, they are better able to take care of their health.
Unfortunately, funding for the health sector has remained low over the years. If government budgets reflected the importance of healthcare, we would see stronger hospitals, better equipment, and improved services.
We also need a proper universal health insurance system. Funding for this can come from sources like a small percentage of VAT or industrial tax. This would help ensure that even vulnerable people in rural areas can access healthcare without paying out of pocket.
Right now, many Nigerians avoid hospitals because they cannot afford treatment. This leads to preventable deaths. Conditions like kidney failure, which require expensive treatment such as dialysis, become death sentences for many families.
Instead of spending huge amounts on temporary programmes and empowerment schemes, those funds should be channelled into a sustainable health insurance system that benefits everyone.
How serious is the issue of “japa” and brain drain in the health sector?
Brain drain is a global issue, but it is much worse in Nigeria because of poor remuneration and working conditions.
Many doctors leave because their salaries are not enough to support a decent life. In some cases, they cannot afford basic things like a car or housing. Many hospitals also lack staff accommodation, which adds to the problem.
To address this, government must improve welfare, provide incentives, and create a more supportive working environment. If not, Nigeria risks losing even more healthcare professionals. At some point, we may even need to import doctors at higher costs, which would be avoidable if proper systems were in place.
What is being done to address quackery in the medical profession?
Quackery is a serious challenge and requires coordinated action. In Akwa Ibom State, we have set up a joint task force in collaboration with the government to identify and shut down illegal medical facilities.
However, enforcement alone is not enough. The task force needs funding, vehicles, and public support to be effective.
We are also encouraging citizens to report suspicious medical practices. Without information from the public, it is difficult to identify many of these illegal operators.
How would you describe primary healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom?
There has been some improvement, but there is still a long way to go. The government has begun renovating several primary healthcare centres, which is a good step.
However, infrastructure alone is not enough. These centres also need adequate staffing and accommodation for health workers to function properly.
Is the absence of a Federal Medical Centre in Akwa Ibom a concern?
Yes, it is a major concern. A state with a large population like Akwa Ibom should have a Federal Medical Centre.
Some states even have more than one FMC in addition to teaching hospitals. Establishing one in Uyo or another part of the state is long overdue and would greatly improve access to specialised healthcare.
How has the association handled internal divisions?
When I assumed office, the association was divided, but today we have achieved unity. Meetings now run smoothly, and we are working together as one body.
What progress has been made on doctors’ welfare in the state?
We have made significant progress through engagement with the state government. Several allowances have been reviewed, and healthcare workers in Akwa Ibom are now among the best paid in the country.
We have also secured approval for the recruitment of thousands of health workers, with many already employed.
In addition, hospital renovations are ongoing, and there has been a declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector, which shows the seriousness of the reforms.
However, we are still pushing for further salary reviews and the establishment of a full medical university in the state to strengthen healthcare training and manpower development.
