Options@30: Medical Expert Solicits Strengthening Of Nigeria’s Health System

An expert in the sector has stressed the need for the federal government and stakeholders to strengthen the healthcare delivery system across the nation to retain highly skilled medical doctors in the country.

A Senior Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance & Response (MPDSR) Advisor on Options Consultancy Services, Evidence for Action (E4A)-MamaYe programme,  Dr Moshood Salawu, stated this in an interview with newsmen as part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of Options Consultancy Services.

Dr. Moshood Salawu said one way to retain skilled professionals was by improving their work environment so that all equipment and tools needed to render service would be available, and the environment must be conducive to keep them in the country.

”As a country, Nigeria needs to come up with plans to ensure that required equipment is available geopolitically, statewide or by wards,   poor remuneration and lack of adequate infrastructure are major challenges confronting medical practitioners in the country.”

According to him, ”The way forward for Nigeria in boosting its health system for all is by following global best practices of improved health systems, such as those recommended by WHO, and by addressing the specific challenges facing the country’s healthcare sector.”

”This includes improving remuneration and infrastructure, as well as ensuring that required equipment is available, by doing so, Nigeria can build a more resilient health system that serves the needs of its population.”

He said the state of adolescent and youth health in Nigeria had been a topic of concern for  Options Consultancy Services having worked for 30 years.

‘‘Sexual and reproductive health is another important aspect of adolescent and youth health in Nigeria, according to data from the United Nations Population Fund, there is a percentage of women and girls aged 15-24 who have comprehensive knowledge of HIV2. Additionally, there is a percentage of girls aged 15-19 who are sexually active,” he said.