SIR: The rate at which African leaders travel abroad for medical treatment is worrisome. Using Nigeria as a case study, the condition of our hospitals across the country is pathetic. I have visited several public health centres in Nigeria and my frinding is one of a state of absolute neglect by the government. Our hospitals are in disarray; innocent Nigerians are losing their precious lives on daily basis as a result of lack of proper treatment in our hospitals.
Over the years, our leaders have taken common nose pain or even domestic accident to India, France, United Kingdom or Saudi Arabia. At every slightest incident, minor or major, flight abroad is the next option. The fundamental question remains, why are our hospitals in Nigeria after several years of government claims to have spent huge amount of money in the sector, still in terrible states?
Just like provision of roads to the common man has become of no importance to our leaders since they have option of flying by air always, so also is the equipping of our hospitals is consiered non-pririty since our leaders have options of getting the best attention abroad. This is the right time to do the needful so that the mere clinic we have as hospitals would be upgraded to meet up with the world’s best.
Enough of the gospel of patronizing or buy Nigeria products; enough of change begins with me slogans because from all indications, our leaders only profess but act contrary to what they profess. Years in and out, we have witnessed series of budgetary allocations to the health sector but at the end, it is either the fund is poorly applied or they disappear into thin air.
We must get beyond the issue of failed institutions. Public officials must be made to account for their stewardship at every particular time.
We parade some of the best doctors around the world, best engineers, lawyers and a host of others. What we need is to believe in our own products, create the enabling environment for our doctors to thrive. it is high time we come to our senses and make the best use of the time, resources to put our country on a solid pedestal where we can compete favourably among comity of nations.
Now that our President has returned from his medical sojourn abroad, let the real change begin now especially with the shattered economy and the political topsy-turvy in the states. The hyenas and jackals in the animal kingdom must give way for the small animals to enjoy the benefit of the kingdom .
- Alifia Sunday,
Ilorin, Kwara State.