By Muhmmad Saddiq Ahmad
As we celebrate the achievements of our tertiary healthcare institutions, it's imperative that we shift our focus to the backbone of our healthcare system: primary healthcare. The current state of primary healthcare in Nigeria is a far cry from what it should be, leaving millions of Nigerians without access to quality and affordable healthcare.
The statistics are alarming. Nigeria ranks among the lowest in terms of healthcare outcomes, and our primary healthcare system is in shambles. It's time for a change. We need to prioritize the revitalization of our primary healthcare system, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of income level or location, has access to quality and affordable healthcare.
So, what can be done? Firstly, we need to invest in programs that strengthen the capacity of our primary healthcare workforce, including nurses, midwives, and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs). These healthcare professionals are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, and it's essential that we provide them with the training and resources they need to deliver quality care.
Secondly, we need to accelerate the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme, ensuring universal health coverage for all Nigerians, particularly the poor and those in informal sectors. This can be achieved by encouraging state governments to roll out state-supported health insurance programs.
Thirdly, we need to leverage public-private partnerships to co-fund primary healthcare revitalization projects. This can include innovative financing models, such as social impact bonds, to sustain primary healthcare services.
Lastly, we need to prioritize health education and preventive care. This can be achieved by promoting community-based health education initiatives and implementing policies that support clean water access, proper waste disposal, and environmental sanitation.
As I pen this article, I am reminded of the countless Nigerians who are forced to travel abroad for medical treatment, simply because our healthcare system is unable to provide them with the care they need. It's time for us to shift our focus from celebrating foreign patients in our hospitals to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality and affordable primary healthcare.
We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to get this right. Let's work together to revitalize our primary healthcare system and ensure that Nigeria becomes a beacon of hope for quality and affordable healthcare in Africa.
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