President Muhammadu Buhari with the president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Uche Ojinmah, who led new Executive Members of said association on a courtesy visit to Abuja, Tuesday
FG disburses N100bn loans to pharmaceutical firms to boost production
Federal Government has disbursed a total of N100 billion to indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare investors as loans to help expand their capital base and boost local production of medicines and medical consumables.
President Muhammadu Buhari who disclosed this, Tuesday in Abuja, while receiving the new Executive Members of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), explained that the loan was extended through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s support to the private pharmaceutical sector.
He stated that the Health Sector Reform Committee chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, is currently exploring models for revitalising the nation’s healthcare system, in ways that improve quality of care and the benefit package to care providers.
Buhari urged the NMA and other stakeholders in the health sector to support initiatives by the Government and work with the Committees set up to chart a fast track to a health system that best meets the needs of Nigerians in the 21st Century.
The President also commended the NMA, which is the umbrella body of all Medical Practitioners in Nigeria, for consistently choosing peaceful resolution of differences on matters pertinent to the National health system.
‘‘I commend our medical professionals for their contribution to Nigeria’s exemplary management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the control of malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis, and other feats also achieved by Nigerian doctors in the diaspora.
‘‘Our response to COVID-19 pandemic has been praised internationally and your members are key parts of this success.
‘‘I recall that in the last quarter of 2021, the immediate past NMA Executives visited me and presented recommendations for the health sector, which included, the review and amendment of NHIS Act; upgrading and equipping existing health institutions; loans to fund hospital equipment; the repeal and re-enactment of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act; and Appeal for more funding for the four (4) newly established Universities of Medical Sciences.
‘‘I am pleased to inform you that most of these recommendations have been addressed, whilst further action is being taken to study those involving cross-cutting administrative processes with legal implications,’’ he said.
Remarking, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who led the medical practitioners to the audience, affirmed that the doctors have been good partners with his ministry, helping to regulate the health profession as well as stressing quality service delivery.
In his remarks, the President of the NMA, Dr Uche Ojinmah, said the new National Officers Committee, NOC was elected on the 21st of May, 2022.
He commended President Buhari for his steadfast war against corruption; assent to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act which will “improve the health indices of our nation;” the constitution of the Health Reform Committee under Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and the various infrastructural projects embarked upon by the Buhari administration.
Dr Ojinmah enjoined the President to ensure full and appropriate implementation of the NHIA Act; provision of “adequate work equipment, conducive work environment and necessary budget support;” as well as elongation of the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years and 65 years for non-consultant doctors and other healthcare workers.
Others include: implementation of the Hazard Allowance circularized in December 2021 with the arrears; as well as the setting up of a Health Bank.
He also requested for a representation of the Federal Government at the inauguration of Dr. Enabulele in Berlin, Germany, later in the year.
