National President of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Prof. Alphonsus Isara, has decried the rising cost of drugs and medical supplies, as well depletion of health workers and poor health facilities across the federation.
Speaking during the 40th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, as well as the Golden Jubilee celebration of the association in Akure, Ondo State, Isara emphasised the urgent need for government intervention in the healthcare sector.
The expert, who expressed worry over the current economic hardship, warned that the exodus of medical professionals poses a serious threat to the well-being of citizens.
He said: “The present political dispensation in Nigeria has ushered in an avalanche of public health issues that are threatening the healthcare delivery system of the country. There are many cracks visible in the building blocks of the health system.
“There is a drastic depletion of the health workforce occasioned by brain drain, as many health workers have emigrated in droves from the shores of Nigeria for greener pastures abroad.
“The current socio-economic challenge impedes accessing healthcare for many citizens. Medical products, including drugs, remain out of reach for the majority of citizens as a result of policies and other conditions that have prevented manufacturing companies from operating effectively in Nigeria.
“Healthcare, especially public health, is in danger in the present dispensation. However, APHPN will continue to push for a better healthcare system in
Nigeria through advocacy, dedicated service delivery, stakeholders’ engagements and capacity
building of its members.
“APHPN is ever ready and willing to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health, other relevant agencies and relevant stakeholders in the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme of the present government.”
“For half a century of its existence, APHPN has been a major actor and player in the healthcare delivery space in Nigeria. The theme of this year’s conference is Repositioning Public Health in a New Political Dispensation.”
