IMPROVING THE HEALTH SECTOR IN NIGERIA

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In Nigeria today, it's no more surprising to hear or see situations where cases that can be handled locally, are being referred abroad. This leads to an outflow of much needed foreign exchange. It has been estimated that Nigerians spend over $1 Billion dollars annually on medical tourism. While it is the right of an individual to seek healthcare anywhere in the world, it is always important to be aware of locally available treatment options.

WHAT IS MISSING?

Well, we regularly hear of wonderful feats performed by Nigerian doctors in the diaspora. Recent figures that have come to light, reveal that 77% of black doctors in the United States of America is actually Nigerians. Nigerian doctors also practice across Canada and Europe where they are making the best impacts and achieving breakthroughs in the health space.

Consequently, the problem can definitely not be the lack of capacity or capability.

According to World Bank figures, the private health sector delivers 60% of care. GMD members across Nigeria currently deliver cutting edge care across medical specialties.

HOW CAN WE MAKE IT BETTER?

We believe the government needs to do more as regards creating an enabling environment.

The Government needs to also ensure that there is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for its citizens.

As medical doctors, one sure way is by collaborating more with ourselves. We've seen too many cases where a patient has been kept in a hospital because of loyalty to the management, money, fear of being labeled incompetent or any other rather absurd reason one can think of. Medical practitioners are first meant to think about LIFE even though we all know and will agree the money is equally important but we shouldn't let it be to the detriment of these sometimes helpless patients.

An efficient referral system, and awareness of things that can be done and procedures being successfully performed is very important.

Referring cases to the relevant specialist of healthcare organizations in time will:

1. Make the general populace have more trust in us.

2. Start choosing to patronize our services rather than taking 'OUR MONEY' abroad.

3. Our specialists will become more recognized and respected for what they do.

The list is definitely not exhaustive.

The GMD is passionate about reducing the rate at which people seek healthcare solutions abroad.

We have amongst us many who studied and worked abroad and have now come back home to set up their practice. These medical doctors are motivated by a desire to contribute to the development of healthcare in Nigeria, despite the numerous challenges like under development, unpaid salaries, unfavorable conditions to practice, lack of adequate funding, to mention just a few.

The GMD is committed to leveraging technology in its quest to improve healthcare in Nigeria.  We will continually use traditional and digital media to advocate for better healthcare in Nigeria and to engage with stakeholders.

A platform like this which allows us to communicate with like minds and influencers in this sector is beneficial. It's very obvious social media is key, so utilizing it will also help our efforts. We can craft powerful posts and make them go viral and more attention can be gained to us that way too.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Your views are very much welcome