*Laments human resource shortage in health sector
By; MIKE ODEH JAMES, Kaduna
In a bid to commemorate the Workers Day Celebration, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has alerted that the N1.17 trillion budget allocation for the health sector in the 2023 budget is still below the 15 per cent budgetary allocation recommended for public health financing to African countries adopted by the African Union (AU).
This was disclosed during an interview with the National President of NUAHP, Dr. Ogbonna Obinna Chimela in Abuja yesterday.
He said, ” We observed that even though the N1.17 trillion budget for the health sector in 2023 was a significant improvement compared to the 2022 budget, it is still 5.7 per cent of the total budget of N21.83 trillion. This however, is below the 15 per cent budgetary allocation recommended for public healthcare financing to African countries adopted by African Union (AU).
“We demand a more proactive commitment to adequate funding of healthcare in Nigeria to meet up with the provision of effective, accessible and affordable healthcare for the citizens. “
According to him, the alarming brain drain in the health sector and its consequences on the healthcare delivery in Nigeria is worrisome as this disturbing trend has led to acute human resources shortage and could cripple the entire health Sector in the country.
Dr. Ogbonna stressed that the union as a matter of urgency wants the federal and State governments address issues causing this mass Exodus of best brains in the health Sector to other countries.
He said ” the government to embark on mass recruitment of health professionals across primary, secondary and tertiary health care facilities in the country.
” We’re calling on the government at National and subnational levels to address Adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) which has been overdue since 2014.
” FG should pay withheld salaries of our members in Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) lagos.
” Implementation of all collective agreements reached with health workers in 2017. Total overhauling of public health Infrastructures with state of the art facilities nationwide.
“We seek implementation of pharmacists consultant cadre, upward review of retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years and that of consultant Health Professionals to 70 years Among others related issues.
