The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, has called on President Bola Tinubu led administration to make healthcare top of its agenda through adequate budgetary provision and effective management system.

 

The National President of the group, Pharmacist Kamal Ibrahim made the call during his opening remark at the ongoing Special National Delegates Conference of the union held in Awka, Anambra State.

Pharmacist Ibrahim who frowned at the inadequate attention given to the health sector in Nigeria, pointed out that the full implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Funds, BHCPF, contained in the National Health Act 2024 is critical for attaining universal health coverage in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals National President made a case for Nigerian government to address health workers’ outstanding demands including payment of arrears of wage awards, implementation of new minimum wage, constitution of statutory governing council of Federal Health Institutions, recruitment of healthcare professionals to fill vacancies created by brain drain in all public health institutions, adequate funding for public health institutions, harmonization of salary structure for health workers in order to drastically reduce the issue of brain drain in the health sector.

presented with an award of honour at the occasion, the Traditional Ruler of Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area, Igwe Ben Okeji represented by the President General of the town, Mr Alfred Okafor, and the Director, Justice Development Peace Caritas, JDPC Nnewi, Reverend Father Benedict Okolo commended the health workers for their efforts in the health sector and for not abandoning Nigerians in search of greener pastures outside the country as already done by many because of the economic meltdown in the country and assured them of their support at all times.

The event which had its theme as “Universal Health Coverage: Need for Effective Collaboration Amongst Health Professionals, attracted members of the union and critical stakeholders from across Nigeria, and featured award presentations and interactive section where the participants aired their views on how to make things better in the health sector.