By Chioma Umeha
The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration
with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private
Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) and the Guild of Medical Directors
(GMD), will on Monday, September 19 and Tuesday, September 20, 2016 hold an
exhibition and conference to showcase what is happening in the sector.
Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, Chief Medical Director of
Memphys, said the exhibition tagged, ‘All Things Medical” (ATM) was timely as
information and statistics about what is available in Nigeria was the bedrock
of a viable and functional healthcare system.
“People keep asking, where can we do this or that
in Nigeria? Or who can do this procedure or that operation in Nigeria? Then,
they say, we did not know that this was available in Nigeria!”
Unfortunately, he said, there were huge risks for
the unwary in medical care in Nigeria as many people end up patronising
dangerous establishments and charlatans simply because they have no clear
knowledge of where the real doctors are.
Citing an example, Ohaegbulem revealed that the
Ogun State government has closed three hospitals in Ifo Local Council after two
pregnant women died as the government accused the hospitals of lacking the
competence to treat patients.
According to the neurosurgeon, “there is the issue
with medical tourism. Doctors have highlighted the dangers of going to places
such as India, South Africa, United Kingdom and Egypt for medical treatment.
They pointed out the problems of traveling to these countries without proper
information about the doctors, their qualifications and experience. In effect,
running to India is not the solution, especially if what you need is in Sokoto.”
Also, the Medical Director, Alliance Hospital,
Abuja, Dr. Chris Otabor, emphasised the need for more information about
high-quality healthcare personnel and facilities in Nigeria.
He added that Nigeria needed a National Health
Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that is effective so that all citizens can receive
reasonable health care.
Another medical expert, a neurosurgeon, Spine
Fixed in Abuja, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, identified many specialist hospitals, which
provide specialist care in Nigeria.
Ogungbo said the exhibition and conference as well
as many other efforts all over the country, was the first step to empowering
the people and saving lives in Nigeria.
According to the neurosurgeon, “there is the issue
with medical tourism. Doctors have highlighted the dangers of going to places
such as India, South Africa, United Kingdom and Egypt for medical treatment.
They pointed out the problems of traveling to these countries without proper
information about the doctors, their qualifications and experience. In effect,
running to India is not the solution, especially if what you need is in
Sokoto.”
Also, the Medical Director, Alliance Hospital,
Abuja, Dr. Chris Otabor, emphasised the need for more information about
high-quality healthcare personnel and facilities in Nigeria.
He added that Nigeria needed a National Health
Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that is effective so that all citizens can receive
reasonable health care.
Another medical expert, a neurosurgeon, Spine
Fixed in Abuja, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, identified many specialist hospitals, which
provide specialist care in Nigeria.
Ogungbo said the exhibition and conference as well
as many other efforts all over the country, was the first step to empowering
the people and saving lives in Nigeria.
