Health
COVID-19: Government Efforts not Enough – NMA President
Outgoing NMA President, Dr. Francis A. Faduyile, in this interview with Laide Akinboade, spoke on several issues, including COVID-19 and the health sector.
Over the past two years, you piloted the affairs of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), how has it been?
Thank you very much.
Being the president of the NMA has been a position of challenge. You are leading one of the most educated, highly intelligent set of people. We have diverse opinions which you must be able to bring together.We have the elderly who are our senior colleagues who believe that their words should be followed as they have directed. We also have the group of younger people who believe that the world has moved into a stage in which anything is possible. They have the believe that anything can be done.
So, we have these mix in which you must be able to navigate to get the best.
Again, the government of Nigeria has not been easily predictable, you need to also understand how the governance work vis-a-viz how it will affect the welfare of the NMA and its members. We need to keep the association going. So, all these are the real challenges that one faced when you lead such movement.
So, I looked back and I will say I under estimated the job that I was going to do.
I will say its challenging and interesting and also very happy for us to be able to move the association in the last two years.
What was the major challenging moment you encountered in the past two years?
I have several. But one of the major is the ability to convince the membership of the NMA to part with some of their money for us build the NMA House. It was herculean task because at several times we have not been too truthful in terms of the donation and the construction of that building.
So, a lot of people have lost interest and confidence on the leadership that something good will come out of that. We needed to get the land back from one of our contractors who won a case against us. We needed to ensure that the land was not taken back and in doing this we, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) felt that we must have a ready source of funding so that immediately we are successful in this early set out plans, we can go immediately to start building. And the way we wanted to start building was different from the way we have always believed we want to Build Operate and Transfer. But we said we want to contribute and build.
So, the noise was deafening all over the nooks and crannies of the country but even up till now, we have a lot of people still castigating us and calling us all manner of names. But we are happy that today, we have been able to do our ground breaking and everything is set for us to start the building. It has really been a challenge all through my two years.
Was there any moment of regrets?
Well, I don’t think I have any moment of regret. All the things we set out to do, we were able to achieve them and many of our discussions and activities have been well thought out and, yes, we could have done some things differently, but it is not really regret because we had a very clear view of the actions we had taken.
The one that was a challenge, well, should we have done it differently, was the issue of how we decided to postpone the Annual General Conference and AGM because of COVID-19 and people came heavily on us, castigating us and telling us that we are into tenure elongation.
We couldn’t have done something different because the mode that we have decided to take to conduct our election is the first in the anal of the NMA and we thought we could tarry a while for us to be able to have physical meeting but I think that was another area that, well, if we could have listened because a lot of people do not know that we were ready to leave. They were attacking us from all angles as if we want to sit tight. It was not really a regret, but it was one of our lowest period.
The NMA resisted the coming of the Chinese doctors, but they still came. From what we heard from the health minister recently, do you think these people were truly medical doctors?
Well, people have asked me this questions so many times, but I have always referred them to the Minister of Health who welcomed them.
I have read in the papers where the minister was saying he was not at the airport to receive the delegation and that he actually went to receive the supplies.
So, I think, it is the Minister of Health that is in the best position to answer where they are, who they and what they are doing.
The NMA made a lot of input and suggestions on how the COVID-19 war should go, are you comfortable, or do you think the country is on the right path?
Well, I will say we are not very comfortable because many of our suggestions and advice have not been followed as we have expected the government to. This is largely because, may be the government is looking at other parameters aside health to make their decision.
Our own is to see health as being the paramount. They say health is wealth. The person who is not healthy cannot give you the best productivity. So, we are not happy because the government has not done enough that is expected of it base on the parameters that we are seeing in the health sector.
Like I told someone, we eased the lockdown when the total number of Covid-19 positive cases was 2,398 on May 2, and at that time it was actually increasing, the slop was still going up and we thought it is not the right time for us to ease the lockdown. However, the government claimed that they have to look at other reasons or issues for them to make decision and I can tell you since that day, we have now added over eight thousand cases. It is now becoming a common occurrence that every four days we add a thousand to the pool. That spell danger to the country because it means that we are increasing in terms of those who are positive to COVID-19 and this is largely as a result of community spreading.
So, we are not comfortable with it the easing of the lockdown.
You still insist that the lockdown should be total?
Well, we are not saying it should be total in all the federation of this country, but in areas that are epic centres, you must be able to contain them.
Unfortunately, one of the epic centres affected is Lagos which is the commercial nerve centre of the country, so, we need them to balance it. This is because if you do not stop the chain of transmission, you may have it very difficult.
During your tenure, you tried to build a good relationship between the NMA and other health workers, are you satisfied?
Yes. We are satisfied. We are having a cordial relationship with our pharmacists, nurses and others. We have started discussing with the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), and this shows that once we can achieve all this cordiality, the health sector will be the greatest beneficiary and the public will enjoy that harmonious relationship.
If you observe in the past two years, we have not had this frequent strike rivalry where a particular group will go on strike and on resumption, another group will go or you have us going to the press and start talking ill about ourselves. We have laid that to rest. We have been able to have a composite relationship where everybody is appreciated and we believe we can work together.
You have successfully served your tenure and a new set of people are coming in, what area do you want your successor to concentrate on?
I expect the next person to work on the welfare. We have a lot of gaps in taking care of the welfare of doctors. We have a lot of issues in terms of the salaries of civil servants, especially, those in the tertiary schools. We have issues that also relates to government have to see us in a positive outlook.
I expect the next leadership to build upon what is on ground so that we can have a better image in the side of people.
Again, we expect them to be more robust in their discussion. They need to give the necessary direction in terms of health policies in the country and I think, with this, they should be able to soar higher and do better than we did.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Federal Government (FG), on yesterday confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof.
Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja.He said the patient, a woman, who was from Uganda, was admitted in Abuja and the diagnosis has been confirmed.
The statement reads, “The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.
She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.“The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NCDC are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread..
“Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
“The FG calls on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert. Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities.
“What Nigerians Should Know and Do
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials. A person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin”.
The Federal Government therefore advised residents to remain calm but vigilant.
“Remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic. Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.
Watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.
“Report any possible exposure immediately, even if you feel well. If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
” Cooperate with public health teams. Anyone contacted during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, should provide the necessary information and follow public health advice.
“Avoid rumours and stigma. Share only verified information from official health authorities” .
The Minister recalled, “Our Assurance to Nigerians. Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experience and public health systems to respond to this case. However, containing Ebola requires everyone to play their part.
“The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public. Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely information.
” We urge Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities. Early detection, prompt reporting and everyone’s cooperation are critical to preventing further spread.
“The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC will continue to provide updates.
NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232″.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Benue State House of Assembly has passed into law a landmark legislation aimed at eliminating tuberculosis (TB) and protecting persons affected by the disease from discrimination and human-rights violations.
The legislation, known as the Tuberculosis Elimination, Human Rights Protection and Anti-Discrimination Law of Benue State, 2026, was passed into Law during Thursday plenary presided over by Speaker, Rt.
Hon.Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, RQS, following consideration of the report of the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services.The committee, chaired by Hon. Matthew Damkor, Ph.D., said the legislation was necessary to provide a comprehensive legal framework for tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and control across the state.
The law also seeks to safeguard the rights of persons affected by Tuberculosis (TB), including their rights to dignity, healthcare, privacy, information, employment, education and social protection.
In its report, the committee identified several areas of the original Bill that required amendment, particularly provisions relating to federal laws and institutions, implementation responsibilities, screening and isolation, enforcement mechanisms, offences and penalties.
The committee recommended the removal of provisions purporting to amend federal legislation, particularly the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, noting that such amendments were inappropriate for state legislation.
It also recommended that references to federal institutions as implementing authorities be replaced with relevant Benue State institutions, while allowing for lawful collaboration with federal authorities.
The committee further recommended that the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, through the Ministry of Health and relevant state agencies, be clearly designated to coordinate the implementation of the law.
On the protection of fundamental rights, the House called for clearer safeguards in provisions dealing with TB screening, isolation and restriction of movement, including informed consent, confidentiality, medical necessity, proportionality and the use of the least restrictive measures.
It also recommended the establishment of an accessible mechanism for receiving complaints, addressing discrimination and providing remedies to persons whose rights may have been violated under the law.
The House further urged relevant agencies to ensure that offences and penalties under the legislation are clearly defined, proportionate and enforceable.
After considering and adopting the committee’s recommendations clause-by-clause, the bill was read for the third time and subsequently passed into law by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emberga following a unanimous consideration and adoption by members.
The Tuberculosis Law which was sponsored by Hon. Dr. Simon Gabo of Mata State Constituency and others, is expected to strengthen Benue State’s response to tuberculosis and provide a stronger legal framework for protecting persons affected by the disease from stigmatization, discrimination and other rights violations.
Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations, Lawyers Alert and Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria, MHR, have commended the Benue State House of Assembly for taking steps to strengthen the state’s response to tuberculosis, and protect the rights of persons affected by the disease.
In a joint statement, the President of Lawyers Alert, Rommy Mom and the Executive of MHR, Alu Azege said the Bill brings health and human rights dimensions of TB into legislative conversation in the state.
The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency (NiSPHFA) has sealed 12 unregistered Islamic medicine stores in Minna and a health facility in Katcha Local Government Area (LGA).
The Executive Chairman of NiSPHFA, Dr.
Abdullahi Suleiman, disclosed this while receiving members of the Islamic and Prophetic Medicine Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (IPMPAN) in Minna.The enforcement is part of the agency’s renewed efforts to protect residents from unsafe healthcare practices and ensure compliance with minimum standards.
Suleiman said the facilities were sealed over alleged non-compliance with regulatory standards.
According to him, the enforcement is not aimed at persecuting healthcare providers but at ensuring residents have access to safe, quality, and standard-compliant healthcare services.
“Our responsibility is to protect the people by ensuring that anyone providing healthcare services operates within the required standards,” he said.
He urged genuine alternative medicine practitioners to register with NiSPHFA, saying registration would enable the agency to identify operators, monitor their activities, and protect residents from unsafe products and practices.
Suleiman also announced plans to organise a trade fair for verified alternative medicine practitioners to promote legitimate practices and improve public confidence in alternative healthcare.
He emphasised the need for practitioners to maintain minimum standards of hygiene, sanitation, safe preparation and storage of medicines, proper packaging, and infection prevention.
“Practitioners should refer patients whose conditions are beyond their capacity to appropriate health facilities. Such referrals will help reduce avoidable health risks,” he said.
The chairman said sustained enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and improved compliance would enable NiSPHFA to safeguard residents and promote a safer, more accountable, and quality-driven healthcare system across the state.
He said the NiSPHFA enforcement team inspected 10 health facilities in Katcha local government and identified various irregularities requiring improvement.
Suleiman said the affected facilities were issued 21-day notices to correct the identified deficiencies.
“One of the facilities inspected was sealed for non-compliance with established standards,” he said.
He added that the agency also secured the support of the local government area in identifying and addressing facilities operating with irregularities.
IPMPAN Chairman, Abdullahi Haske, commended the state government for establishing NiSPHFA.
He pledged the association’s cooperation in ensuring that its members complied with regulatory requirements.
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