Jonathan assures on MDGs’ attainment

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has assured of consistent and improved funding of the nation’s health sector under the present dispensation as part of its determined efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Citing the recent passage of the National Health Bill, President Jonathan, at the opening ceremony of the 51st yearly conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ibadan, said the Federal Government had packaged a workable strategy that would hold it and operators of the Nigerian health system accountable for delivery of results.

The President, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute, added that government was working in concert with the National Planning Commission (NPC) to fully align “our sectoral vision and mission with the national Vision 20:2020”.

He said: “If we are to achieve the health MDGs, which is counting down on 2015, about five years away, health must be funded in a consistent and very predictable manner.”

He said that government will not relent in its efforts at improving health care delivery in the country.

He also charged doctors and other health workers to refrain from all unethical practices in the profession, saying it could hinder the attainment of any meaningful progress in health care delivery.

“Let me make bold to state that sometimes, what kills a patient in the hospital is not primarily the ailment that sent him to the hospital, it is the unethical things that happen at both private and public health facilities. I think the time has come for us to exorcise the system of social anomalies. This will require a sincere and thorough audit of your association”.

He called for cooperation of NMA and the doctors in righting the wrongs in the health sector.

“We need you for a meaningful progress in health care delivery in the country. Let us see what commitments to make to reduce the incessant strike actions,” he said.

Similarly, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, who was also at the ceremony, appealed to the doctors in the state, who have been on strike in the last six months, to resume work as he promised to address their grievances.

The governor reinstated his administration’s commitment to solving the health problems in the state and called for partnership with the NMA in the fight aimed at ensuring good health care delivery.

“This administration is desirous of a partnership with the NMA towards uplifting the health sector in Oyo State. Our target is to have hospitals, which are places where our people can access the best health care services. However, it is only with your cooperation that these lofty objectives can be achieved,” he said.

Speaking further, Ajimobi disclosed his administration’s commitments towards the establishment of health centres in every ward of the state; provision of free health care to children under ages of five; free ante-natal health care for pregnant women, as well as cater for elderly from the age of 70.