Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, says Nigeria needs to invest more aggressively in the health sector.
In a statement to commemorate the 2024 World Health Day, Obi
said health remains critical to human development.
He noted that as one of the critical measures of the human
development index, health contributes immeasurably to the development of the
humans and the progress of a nation.
He said Nigeria’s “poor investment” in the health sector has
continued to manifest in many ways.
“Our obvious neglect
of our health sector, especially the primary health sector has continued to
result in so many unpleasant outcomes for the nation,” he said.
“With Nigeria ranking 14th out of the 18 African countries
with poor health systems and also ranking 157th out of the 167 countries
measured on health systems, we need to invest more aggressively in the health
sector.
“We are today, among the countries with the highest infant
mortality rates. The current life expectancy in Nigeria is 56 years, obviously
among the lowest in the world.
“Healthcare in
Nigeria is increasingly becoming out of the reach of most Nigerians due to its
high cost.
“Our budget of N1.3 trillion for the health sector, in a
country of about 218 million people, is still not enough to make a serious
impact in the sector and still falls below the 15 percent commitment specified
in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.
“With the continual decline in our health sector, we need to
make more aggressive investments that will improve the lives of the people.
“Aside the negative impacts on the citizens of our lack of
investment in the health sector, the attendant capital flight arising from
health tourism remains worrisome.
“It is reported that
Nigerians spend over $1.5bn on Medical Tourism Annually. Such a volume of
funds, if retained in our economy would have impacted positively on the nation
and helped us to save the much-needed foreign exchange.”
He added that the World Health Day presents another
opportunity for leaders to reflect on their vision and prioritise investment in
critical areas of human development for the ultimate good and development of
the nation.
“The resources wasted on frivolities and unnecessary
expenditure should now be invested in health, education and pulling people out
of poverty. Our vision in New Nigeria is to build a healthy and productive
nation, and it is possible,” he added.
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