Published 2025-05-01
Abstract
Nigerians have to be healthy to be able to meaningfully contribute towards the socio-economic and political advancement of the country. This can be attained if the leadership takes the issue of health-care seriously by investing at least fifteen (15) per cent of its total budget into it. It is on record that for the past two decades, our health institutions still remain and operate as consulting clinics, despite the numerous policies and resources committed to healthcare by the various governments. To move away from this appalling scenario, this paper is of the view that we should go back to the drawing board by carefully studying our health problems, our environmental needs, economic capabilities and population, and then we can design a functional health system with community, NGOs and the private sector participation, devoid of any corruptible tendencies. This can then be backed up by the enactment of a National Health Act, which will state clearly the respective roles of the various tiers of government.