Federal Government of Nigeria has said it would not provide resources to any government official to travel abroad for medical attention unless the case cannot be handle in Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari made this known at the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual General Conference and delegates meeting of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) “tagged Sokoto 2016 held in the ancient city of Sokoto.
President Buhari who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole said “while this administration will not deny anyone of his or her fundamental human rights, we will certainly not encourage expending Nigerian hard earned resources on any government official seeking medical care abroad, when such can be handled in Nigeria”.
President Buhari further called on the health professionals to discontinue inter-professional crises which has impacted negatively on the healthcare delivery system of the nation.
“We have seen the hazards that this unfortunate and highly preventable problems have caused to the quality of health care delivery in Nigeria. May I employ members of NMA to always imbibe the spirit of team work to ensure harmonious relationship with other health professionals, no profession can effectively and efficiently function without the other”, he said.
Speaking on the welfare of the health professionals which is one of the contentious issues in the sector, President said “government will review all previous agreements and take reasonable decisions that will not infringe on the right of the workers. This government will invest in programmes that will improve capacity of all cadres of health workers”.
In his remarks the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole represented by the Minister of State Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said that the theme of the event “Doctors in Administrative Position in a democratic Dispensation” was important now that Nigerians are demanding for competence, professionalism and quality health care.
Prof. Adewole said that leadership in the health sector was not only limited to occupying the chief executive position, but also involves accepting challenging responsibilities. It also promotes team works tolerance and transparency in all dealings.
The Minister added that medical doctors should prepare to work in harmony with other health care professionals including those in administration; these according to him would improve healthcare delivery system in the country.

Boade Akinola (Mrs.)
Director Media and Public Relations
FMOH