The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency in Nigeria’s health sector. The development took place at the 64th National Council on Health, where salient issues around the health sector were up for discussion. The opening ceremony was an avenue to set the tone around the theme, which focuses on building resilience and an inclusive healthcare system for a healthy Nigeria. The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammed Ali Pate, said the nation’s health facilities are in bad shape, adding that there is a need for an urgent intervention.
Also, the governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji, in his remarks, said the state received with great excitement an offer to host the 64th National Council on Health and the prospect of having all the distinguished delegates from across the nation, including international stakeholders in health policy development in the state for this agenda setting council meeting. He said the state has tremendous achievements to showcase in the health sector over the past few years.
Last month, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the sector and allocate significant votes to it in the 2024 budget.
But Nigeria is not alone in these predicaments. In the UK, the ongoing strikes and record-high waiting lists are just two of the challenges facing the new Health Secretary Victoria Atkins. The former financial secretary to the Treasury was appointed to her new role as part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet reshuffle, with predecessor Steve Barclay moving to become Environment Secretary.
The new Health Secretary is married to Paul Kenward, managing director of British Sugar, which also grows medicinal cannabis.
Victoria Atkins´s appointment came days after new figures showed 7.77 million people were waiting for NHS treatment in England, the highest number since records began in 2007. She had been Member of Parliament for Louth and Horncastle since May 2015 and had served as financial secretary to the Treasury for a little over a year prior to her appointment in the Department of Health and Social Care DHSC. NHS Providers, which represent health trusts, said resolving strikes must be top of Ms Atkins’s agenda.
Chief Executive Sir Julian Hartley said: “This change comes at a critical juncture for the sector, which faces unprecedented challenges. Top of the agenda is the resolution to ongoing industrial action. The cumulative impact of strikes on patients, staff and the NHS cannot be understated. Constructive dialogue between the Government and unions is key to finding a sustainable solution.”
Strikes have been ongoing in the NHS since December 2022 and are understood to have impacted more than one million appointments. Last week it emerged that hospitals would be allowed to cut back on pre-planned care to help cover the cost of previous walk outs, which is thought to be around £1 billion.
The government is in talks with consultants and specialists, associate specialists and specialty SAS doctors, the British Medical Association BMA said earlier in November. It confirmed both groups would be re-balloted on industrial action and, if passed, it would give them a mandate to strike until June 2024.
NHS Providers also called for more investment in deteriorating NHS facilities and equipment that was vital for the sustainability and modernization of health services. There were also issues with the NHS estate, with the DHSC confirming there were 42 hospital sites with confirmed reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, which is at risk of collapse.
Sir Hartley said: “We look forward to working with the new Secretary of State to address the most pressing issues confronting hospital, mental health, community and ambulance services ensuring a resilient, efficient NHS offering world-class patient care. He further said: “Whole government action to tackle health inequalities and reforming social care are also priorities, as both are essential for the well-being of patients and efficiency of services.”
Chairman of the Health and Social Care Committee Steve Brine thanked Mr Barclay for his time in office and welcomed the new appointment. He said Ms Atkins’s appointment came at a critical time for the NHS with the number of patients waiting for treatment at a record high. Preventing ill health will be key to helping the NHS manage its resources. Prevention is one of this committee’s priorities and I hope it will be high up on the new Secretary of State’s agenda too.”
