Healthcare: Gov. Bagudu seeks better physicians, policy makers’ synergy

The Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, has urged the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFON) to strengthen its synergy with policy makers to improve healthcare delivery in the country.

The governor gave the advice at the weekend in Abuja during the two-day 22nd Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of SOFON, with the theme “Drug Abuse: The Scourge on Families and Nigeria as a Nation,”

According to Bagudu, there was the need for those who could influence the society through policies, such as the legislature, to know about the society.

While stressing the role of physicians as gatekeepers in accessing primary healthcare and improving the health care system in the society, the governor urged them to continue to address the challenges affecting the sector.

Governor Bagudu speaking on the theme, said the focus on drug abuse was apt as the scourge was becoming worrisome due to its effects in the society.

“What the governors are doing in primary health care can be improved by sensitization from family physicians on what needs to be done to achieve a healthy society,” he said.

Also speaking the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the current drug situation in the country is a public health crisis of unprecedented proportions.

The Minister, represented by the Minister of State, Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, said the 2018 National Drug Use Survey shows an estimate of 14.3 million people between 15 years and 64 years abusing drugs.

“This signifies a marked increase of about 8.8 per cent compared to results from a prior survey conducted in 2016 and more than twice the global average. It is apparent that the current drug situation in Nigeria is a public health crisis of unprecedented proportions,” he said.

The SOFON President, Dr. Paul Obiegbu, reiterated the society’s commitment towards improving health care services through the academic and professional advancement of the specialty of family medicine in the country.

Obiegbu said the conference’ focus on drug abuse was to draw attention to its effects on the society, adding that some users also get addicted to prescription drugs.

“It is not only illegal drugs like cocaine or heroin that can lead to abuse and addiction.

“Prescription drugs like pain killers, sleeping pills and tranquilizers can cause similar problems,” he said.

On his part, President of the Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, assured that the association would continue to partner SOFON to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.