By Asma’u Ahmad
Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Wednesday says 64 per cent of Nigeria’s expectant mothers give birth without the assistance of skilled midwives.
The National President of NMA, Prof. Mike Ogirima, said this at the 58th Annual General Conference and Delegates Town Hall Meeting in Abuja.
Ogirima said NMA was the acclaimed custodian of people’s health, stressing that “members of the association should not be sleeping while healthcare delivery continues to nosedive.
“The health and socio-demographic indices of Nigeria are sources of shame and ridicule to every patriotic citizen of Nigeria. “Our pregnant women still deliver without the assistance of skilled birth attendants.
“Why would a woman die in the course of pregnancy and childbirth since the causes of morbidity and mortality are largely preventable and treatable.
“Same narratives apply to many others; infant and child mortality, HIV/AIDS & TB, non-communicable diseases, accidents and injuries, including the menace of insurgency with attendant loss of lives.”
The NMA national president said infrastructure and social amenities which constitute social determinants of health were inadequate, noting that the lack of potable water in many communities and problem of open defecation posed grave public health risks across the land.
He called for full implementation of the National Health Act, noting that “2019 is around the corner: we must resolve to educate Nigerians not to be carried away by sentiments, ethnicity, religion or sugar coated soap vituperation’s. “Let us collaborate more toward improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria for happiness and prosperity of all.”
Prof. Jerry Gana, who is the Chairman of the meeting, stressed the need for government to invest more in the health, education and welfare of the people.
The former minister of information said NMA played key role in the formulation of the National Health Act of 2014, noting, however, that it was regrettable that after four years there was no evidence of its implementation.
Chairman of the Health Reform Foundation, Dr Idris Mohammed, said politicians in the country never gave healthcare sector the proper attention it deserved. He said: “Health is the key driver of development. Political parties and their candidates should give more attention to health and address the issue of quality health services.”
Mr Eze Oyekpere, the Chairman of Partners for Electoral Reform, said the 2019 election should be about the health of electorate.
