The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on other political office holders in the country to emulate Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to end medical tourism.
Its National President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, in a ‘Get-Well Wish’ statement, also commended him for demonstrating confidence in Nigerian doctors and the healthcare system.
Ojinmah added that it was time to fix the nation’s fragile health care system to the benefit of the common man and the economy. He added that the association was certain that Osinbajo was impressed.
“We wish to thank God for seeing our vice president through surgery. All Nigerian doctors are praying for his quick and complete recovery.”
A successful surgical operation was performed on Osinbajo by a team of Nigerian doctors in Lagos to treat a recurrent pain caused by a fracture in his leg.
The Kwara State branch of the union also advised the Federal and state governments to speed up implementation of the mandatory health insurance uptake for citizens.
Prof. Baba Issa gave the advice in Ilorin during a news conference organised on the commencement of a week-long events, culminating in election of new officers.
Issa, who was represented by Dr. Adedayo Aderibigbe, deputy chairman of the association, said the implementation of the scheme would ensure access to quality health services at all tiers of government as was recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We will not fail to continue to remind the government that they must not rest till all Nigerians are not exposed to the risk of financial hardship while paying for their healthcare needs,” he said.
He explained that the Kwara-NMA medical and surgical team would be conducting outreaches at Esie community in Irepodun Local Government Area, including other neighbouring communities such as Oro and Agbonda.
He added that the free medical and surgical outreach would bring succour to patients who have financial challenges in solving their surgical health problems and offering them our service.
The week-long activities would include Scientific Conference themed: “The Nigerian Health Response to COVID-19: Lessons Learnt or Business as Usual”.Other themes are: “Structuring Medical Education in Nigeria: Interplay of Regulatory Bodies and External Interference”.
He applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unflinching support to doctors working in the state.