I was at the 55th National Council on Health Meeting on Thursday, though it wasn’t easy getting into the venue of the meeting (I almost cried)…… I had heard about the meeting and really wanted to be part of it but I didn’t have an invite after much pleading and explaining that I worked with a partner, I was then asked to look for someone to identify me…Yeepeee…and I found an angel who did the identification, then I got my tag and before I knew it I got myself a seat in the hall. The NCH meeting is the highest meeting where the major stakeholders (Minister, Commissioners, Doctors, Nurses, International Partners and Donor agencies and so on) in the health system come together to discuss the performance of the health sector and way forward.
I was so happy that I was sitting in the midst of intellectuals, I shook hands with most of them, sat beside a guru in Reproductive health……I couldn’t ask for more. The theme of the meeting was Health: Achieving Results and the Sub Theme was; “Universal Health Coverage and Implementing the NSHDP”. The moderator was The amiable and owner of the “honey coated” voice Moji Makanjuola of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
The Goodwill messages from the House of Assembly, International Partners and Donor Agencies had one similarity; they asked for the signing of the health bill into law. The Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu was present and in his statement he commented on the following:
- On HIV/AIDS, there will be increase in procurement of drugs, increase domestic funding in the 774 LGAs. Increase in availability and accessibility.
- On TB and Leprosy, increase in availability of 2nd Line of Anti TB drugs and evidence of ongoing reforms.
- Increase in the incidence of strokes and heart attacks and family bread winners are the worst hit (just like the case of Senator Datong) The FMOH will embark on mass screening for diabetics, HBP etc.
- The Toll free number by the FRSC which was launched weeks ago. Call 122 for emergencies.
- There are plans to strengthen the Trauma Centres in hospitals like UPTH, JUTH and three Orthopaedic hospitals.
- On Cancer, he stated that there will be increase of sensitization and advocacy and will focus more on the treatment of cancer in children.
- All Federal hospitals in Nigeria will be made to use Auto Disable syringes by October 2012. There is a manufacturing company located in Rivers state that will supply the ADS which the FG is prepared to purchase in bulk.
- The FG has signed an MOU with Nigerians in Diaspora in the area of education, training, research, donation of medical equipments and so on.
- And on Universal Health Coverage he stated clearly that only 5% of Nigerians benefit from the NHIS Scheme and workers should pay up their 5%, do their own bit to cover their health Insurance.
He also stated briefly that the National Health Bill has gone back to the National Assembly and he hopes that it will be signed soon.
As a delegate, I was happy hearing these statements from the Minister. As a Nigerian, I hoped the stakeholders could do more, so that every Nigerian young/old, poor/rich would feel that the health system is working and as a partner, I hoped that there should be increase in implementing commitments.
As I ponder to myself, as a three person in one…..I just wish the National Health Bill will be signed, the sooner the better for all Nigerians.
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