Ex-WMA President, Enabulele Urges Nigerian Government to Prioritise Quality Healthcare Delivery

From Moshood Karim

Former President of the World Medical Association (WMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, has called on the Nigerian government to cease politicising healthcare and focus on delivering quality healthcare to its citizens.

Speaking at the 2024 Association of Resident Doctors’ Symposium and Award ceremony in Benin City on Friday, Enabulele expressed concern over Nigeria's continued struggles to provide adequate healthcare, even 64 years after independence.

Enabulele noted that despite the country's significant challenges, solutions to these problems are well within reach.

"It’s unfortunate that after 64 years, Nigeria is still grappling with basic conditions identified long ago," he said, referencing historical plans like the Water Hardness Development Plan.

He stressed the need for better governance and political commitment to address the gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, such as limited access to care, a shortage of medical personnel, and the on-going brain drain in the sector.

Enabulele lamented the slow progress in implementing the National Health Act, which was intended to reform Nigeria’s healthcare system, and urged for a more sincere approach to health governance.

"We need to stop politicising healthcare and remember health even when elections are not around the corner," he stated, calling for leadership that exemplifies transparency and commitment.

He also highlighted how countries like Rwanda, with fewer resources than Nigeria, have achieved significant progress in healthcare, particularly in achieving universal health coverage, which now stands at 95% in Rwanda compared to Nigeria’s much lower rate.

“Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, is still lagging in universal health coverage,” Enabulele lamented.

In addressing the ‘Japa’ syndrome and brain drain—where skilled Nigerian professionals seek better opportunities abroad—Enabulele said improving working conditions and remuneration for medical professionals is critical.

He stressed that many Nigerian doctors would prefer to stay and practice at home if conditions were more favourable.

The symposium also featured lectures on key topics. Dr. Odiase Emmanuel, in his presentation titled: "Workplace Burnout: Prioritising the Mental Health of Doctors," distinguished between stress and burnout, explaining how the latter can severely impact healthcare professionals' productivity.

He called for the implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy for Mental Health Delivery to improve the well-being of healthcare workers.

Dr. Odiko David, in his lecture on "Innovative Medicine: Shaping the Future of Healthcare,"highlighted how emerging technologies such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and blockchain are poised to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system. He emphasised that the integration of technology with human care is essential for addressing current challenges and shaping the future of healthcare.

Highlight of the occassion was the presentation of award of excellence in leadership to distinguised members.

Earlier, while declaring the event open, the Head of Symposium and Award Committee, Dr. BenPaul Ewuruje expressed his appreciation for those who took time out of their busy schedule to grace the occasion promising that the subsequent editions of the event will be better organised than this one.

The Chairman of the House Officers Week Committee, Dr. Bassey Bright anchored the occassion.

The event, organised by the Association of Resident Doctors, aimed to address critical issues affecting healthcare delivery in Nigeria and encourage innovation and policy reform for the betterment of the health sector.