*The Federal Government has distributed N100billion to the Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare investors as loans with a view to expanding their capital base, as well as boosting local production of medicines and medical consumables in the economy

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

In a move to revitalise the important sector of the country鈥檚 economy, the Federal Government has disbursed N100billion to the Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare investors as loans to expand their capital base, boost local production of medicines and medical consumables.

绿帽献妻 reports President Muhammadu Buhari announced this when he received the new Executive Members of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.

President Buhari explained that the loan was extended through the Central Bank of Nigeria鈥檚 (CBN) support to the private pharmaceutical sector in the country.

He also noted that the Health Sector Reform Committee, chaired by Vice-President (Prof.) Yemi Osinbajo, is currently exploring models for revitalising the Nigerian healthcare system.

This is in ways that improve quality of care and the benefit package to care providers.

In regard to the lingering brain drain in the health sector, the Buhari said he had directed the Minister of Health to explore possibilities of turning Nigeria鈥檚 鈥渂rain drain鈥� to 鈥渂rain gain鈥�.

The President further stated this is by engaging top Nigerian medical experts in the Diaspora in knowledge and skills repatriation.

He, therefore, urged the Association and other stakeholders in the health sector to support initiatives by the Federal Government.

Buhari also urged them to work with the committees set up to chart a fast-track to a health system that best meet the needs of Nigerians in the 21st Century.

The President also commended the association, which is the umbrella body of all Medical Practitioners in Nigeria, for consistently choosing peaceful resolution of differences on matters pertinent to the National health system.

He said: 鈥樷�業 commend our medical professionals for their contribution to Nigeria鈥檚 exemplary management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the control of malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis, and other feats also achieved by Nigerian doctors in the Diaspora.

鈥樷�極ur response to COVID-19 pandemic has been praised internationally and your members are key parts of this success.

鈥樷�業 recall that in the last quarter of 2021, the immediate past NMA Executives visited me and presented recommendations for the health sector.鈥�

NMA鈥檚 recommendations for health sector

President Buhari also said that the recommendations included the review and amendment of NHIS Act; upgrading and equipping existing health institutions as well as loans to fund hospital equipment.

They recommended the repeal and re-enactment of the Medical and Dental Practitioners鈥� Act.

The Excutives as well also appealed for more funding for the four newly established Universities of Medical Sciences.

The President added: 鈥樷�業 am pleased to inform you that most of these recommendations have been addressed, whilst further action is being taken.

鈥淭his is to study those involving cross-cutting administrative processes with legal implications.鈥�

Buhari congratulates Dr. Osahon Enabulele on WMA鈥檚 appointment

The Nigerian President used the occasion to congratulate a former President of the body, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, as the President-elect of the World Medical Association (WMA), the first Nigerian to hold the position.

Buhari wished him a successful tenure, as he expressed hope that Enabulele would use his position to support improvement in healthcare delivery in the West African country and lower-income countries.

He also wished the new Executive Members of NMA a successful tenure, urging them to earnestly continue to serve as arbiters of peace and progress.

Speaking at the forum, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Honourable Minister for Health, who led the medical practitioners to the audience, affirmed that the doctors had been good partners with his ministry.

Dr. Ehanire said that they were helping to regulate the health profession as well as stressing quality service delivery.

In his remarks, the President of the NMA, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, disclosed that the new National Officers Committee (NOC) was elected May 21, 2022.

He applauded President Buhari for his steadfast war against corruption; and his recent assent to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act.

Ojinmah said the act would improve the health indices of the聽 country.

He, therefore, urged the president to ensure full and appropriate implementation of the NHIA Act, and provision of 鈥渁dequate work equipment, conducive work environment and necessary budget support.鈥�

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