Partial Implementation Of Nat’l Health Act Impedes Health Care Delivery- NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, says the partial implementation of key provisions of the National Health Act including the insurance of certificates of standards to hospitals are major impediments to enhance health care delivery in Nigeria.

The National President of NMA, Professor Bala Audu, made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja.

Professor Audu who said the gap in the non implementation of the Act has eroded public confidence in the healthcare system however had confidence in the present administration’s reforms especially the National Health Renewal and Investment Initiative SWAP to improve working conditions and quality health care.

He also highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration with Medical and Health workers in diaspora and expressed the need to initiate and sustain progressive partnerships that can benefit the Nigerian health sector.

In his words: “the lack of motivation among health workers, especially the younger colleagues, and the absence of appropriate mentorship to facilitate and maintain health workforce sustainability. The need to have an appropriate reward system was mooted.”

Professor Audu, therefore, pledged the members’ commitment to support government in the implementation of policies of the health agenda at both national and sub national level.

In his words, “the NHS observed that lack of a clinical governance system in our hospitals was detrimental to enhanced practice accountability and improved health outcomes and highlighted the need to urgently institute an integrated clinical governance mechanism across all health facilities.

“We resolved to continue to engage in its 4 key strategic corporate responsibilities; care for the health and social well-being of orphans and other vulnerable children, caring for the health, empowerment and humanitarian assistance to widows and other vulnerable women, caring for the health and empowerment and humanitarian people with disabilities”.

The President of NMA also advocated for a minimum benchmark for doctors’ salaries nationwide to ensure equitable remuneration and workforce stability in both the public and private healthcare sector.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji