By Precious Oham
The Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Ekiti State Branch, Dr. Babatunde Rosiji on Monday decried that the current realities as regards the exchange rate in the country is making the cost of drugs and medical supplies beyond the reach of average citizens.
At a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, commemorating the 2023 Physicians’ Week, Rosiji raised an alarm that if the state of affairs in the country continues unchecked, the inevitable might be on the horizon.
His words: “As we all know and can bear witness to, our dear country is passing through a very difficult time and we as citizens bear the brunt. The times are unprecedented! Patients are finding it difficult to present early to the hospitals for economic reasons.
“The exchange rate is making the cost of drugs and medical supplies beyond the reach of the average citizens. Patients on medications for chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes are finding it difficult to access an uninterrupted supply of drugs.
“While health insurance is beginning to take roots, the price of drugs in the insurance scheme is out of touch with current realities. If this continues unchecked, your guess is as good as mine.”
Speaking further, Rosiji noted that the association are exploring all peaceful avenues to ameliorate the sufferings of its members as occasioned by the issue of brain drain.
He commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment towards making the health sector in the state viable while calling on the federal government to halt the plan to stop funding the Medical and Dental Council.
Rosiji added that the theme of this year’s Physicians’ Week was chosen to provide positive direction to the new administration as it relates to fixing the healthcare sector.
“We as an association are exploring all peaceful avenues towards securing some economic reprieve for our beloved members. Despite the increased workload occasioned by the worsening brain drain, our members across all the hospitals have taken it upon themselves that clinical services are rendered in a seamless manner.
“This is taking its toll upon our health and families. Our social lives have become virtually non-existent but we keep faith that tough times never last, but tough people do! We only expect that taking this sacrifice on ourselves, the community we serve will recognize this and appreciate the few hands remaining rather than antagonize and fight them.
“I must single out the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his dogged commitment and resolve towards making the health sector in Ekiti State work. While we have made a resolve to toe the path of advocacy and dialogue in the interest of Ekiti people, we have been equally blessed with a Governor who has listening ears and who is accommodating of positive ideas.
“The plan to stop funding Medical and Dental Council (MDCN) from next year to us is ill conceived and can only lead to disaster. The job of MDCN which is regulation of medical and dental practice is so important that funding her by government is appropriate. If we stop funding the MDCN, I wonder who we want to do it? Probably the doctors and dentists will take over funding a body that regulates and may punish them if necessary.”