Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi, who contested in the 2023 presidential election, recently paid a visit to the Tungan Madaki Primary Healthcare Centre in Abuja.
His visit, which coincided with World Sick Week on February 15, 2024, prompted a fervent call for substantial reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
In a social media post, Obi emphasized the critical need for healthcare reform following his observations during the visit. He highlighted the alarming state of the Tungan Madaki Primary Healthcare Centre and stressed the indispensable role of the healthcare sector in societal progress.
Obi underscored the urgency to revitalize the healthcare sector, emphasizing its significance in the Human Development Index (HDI). He noted that healthcare, along with education and per capita income, plays a pivotal role in poverty alleviation.
The former presidential candidate lamented the dismal state of primary healthcare centers nationwide, with less than 10% operating effectively. He pointed out issues such as infrastructure decay, equipment shortages, and understaffing, with over 50% of centers in a state of disrepair.
Obi criticized the misallocation of resources, citing examples such as the diversion of funds for primary healthcare towards non-essential expenditures like procuring vehicles and constructing car parks for National Assembly members. He highlighted the stark contrast between budget allocations for major teaching hospitals and the Aso Rock Clinic, compared to frontline healthcare facilities like the National Hospital in Abuja.
To address these disparities, Obi announced a personal contribution of Two million Naira to improve the Tungan Madaki Primary Healthcare Centre, serving 32 villages. This gesture aimed to underscore the urgent need for funding and resourcing improvements at even the most basic healthcare levels.
As World Sick Week was commemorated, Obi urged the government to reassess its priorities, emphasizing a commitment to critical areas like healthcare reform. He stressed that a healthy populace is essential for building the envisioned new nation on a solid foundation.
Peter Obi’s visit to the Tungan Madaki Primary Healthcare Centre served as a catalyst for raising awareness about the pressing need for healthcare reform in Nigeria.
