NEWS
Minister Vows Drastic Actions against Non-performing CMDs
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By David Torough, Abuja
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has warned that drastic actions will be taken against Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of non-performing tertiary health institutions nationwide.
Pate gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja, while fielding questions from newsmen during the third edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Series (MPBS) initiated by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
According to him, the focus of the CMDs should be on providing healthcare services to Nigerians in a respectable manner and anyone found not doing so will be held responsible.
He said “I want to put all federal tertiary hospitals on notice that the Minister of State and myself will make serious surreptitious visits to those facilities to see what they are doing so they should be ready.
“If any of our chief executives does not focus on the quality of care in their hospitals and we see lapses, we will take drastic action against them.
“This is because at the end of the day, these are public institutions and their focus is to provide services to Nigerians and to ensure that Nigerians are respected when they are given those services.”
He, however, said that there had been a significant increase in patient attendance at federal tertiary hospitals, a testament to the improved quality of care and confidence in the healthcare system.
According to him, through targeted investments in infrastructure, technology and human capital, the Federal Government will enhance the capacity of the institutions to deliver specialised medical services.
He added that “the Federal Government will also handle complex health conditions, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to world-class healthcare when needed.
“Our commitment to improving tertiary healthcare services is unwavering. Twelve tertiary hospitals/centres have been earmarked for infrastructure development, including the establishment of oncology centres, radiology centres, and diagnostics facilities.
“These investments will enhance our capacity to provide specialised care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of our people.”
Pate also said that though health workers were facing challenges, the ministry was working hard to remedy them.
He announced that CMDs had been notified to ensure that gunshot victims were treated immediately without having to present a police report.
He added that “on gunshot victims, we have stated it and the Inspector-General of Police also raised it but the issue is the non-public facilities,
the private facilities, some of the state facilities may not be paying enough attention.
“So, I think if we accept as the norm and the press themselves amplify this message that it is not acceptable to lose a life when one can actually save that life.
“We will begin to see change and we call on all health workers to prioritise saving lives.”
While giving account of the ministry’s affairs, he said that through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, it had expanded access to vital healthcare services.
This, he said, was particularly in rural and under-served areas, improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.
“As a result of our efforts, we have recorded an increase in the proportion of women who attend Ante-Natal Care (ANC).
“Over 550,000 women now attend their first ANC and are armed with the right information and care to improve their pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.”
He, however, said that to sustain and continue to build on those gains, the Federal Government recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives/nurses, and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in the last six months to bridge the gaps.
He added that an additional 1,400 health facilities now have Skilled Birth Attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities, thereby increasing the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.
Pate also said that the Federal Government had made substantial strides in expanding health insurance coverage.
According to him, by supporting enrolment initiatives and streamlining administrative processes, the ministry extended coverage to millions of Nigerians, safeguarding them against the financial hardships associated with healthcare expenses.
“Also, since the beginning of the administration, about 750,000 more Nigerians have been enrolled in health insurance.”
On shortage of healthcare personnel, he said the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), took proactive steps by increasing the number of medical students admitted into medical schools.
On the rising cost of pharmaceuticals as a pressing concern, the minister said that decisive action was being taken to address the issue.
He explained that “an executive order will soon be issued to curb escalating drug prices in the short term, while our mid to long-term goal involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade.
“In a strategic move to fortify the pharmaceutical infrastructure across the nation, the Federal Government initiated the construction of pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in 21 states in collaboration with Drug Management Agencies.
“Two additional warehouses at the federal level are also underway, complemented by the installation of the Warehousing Management Information System (WMIS) – M Supply, in these 21 pharma-grade warehouses.
“This visionary project which commenced in October 2023 is slated for completion in March, with a scheduled commissioning in April.”
Pate also said that the implementation of WMIS is expected to significantly enhance accountability and transparency, ensuring the potency of public health medicines and other health commodities.
He said the Federal Government had led the development of the maiden National Policy on Cosmetics Safety in Nigeria, a crucial policy that would guide the production and safe use of cosmetics in the country.
He, therefore, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the health and well-being of every Nigerian.
He said the government remained steadfast in its resolve to build a healthier, more resilient nation, and would continue to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to achieve its shared vision of a thriving healthcare system for all.
NEWS
Ajuri, Tinubu’s Spokesperson Takes Exit, Cites Mesical Reaaona
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Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”NEWS
Fuel Crisis: 1000 CSOs Fault Tinubu’s Economic Team, Want Immediate Reconstitution
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By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.NEWS
Tension in Makurdi Community as NAF Personnel Demolishes Houses, Destroys Rice Farm
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There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.