Author:two primary health centres in the state where officials were found to be extorting patients and collecting money for services and drugs that were meant to be free. A subsequent investigation undertaken by a team of reporters has revealed that the situation is not only prevalent in Borno, but in other states across the country. Findings showed that these unwholesome practices pose a cog in the wheel of Nigeria’s fight against malaria.
Aisha Musa, 35, was spotted sitting alone on a bench in the clinic, while other patients were seated closer to the entrance of the doctor’s room.A reporter approached Aisha, who said she had just been diagnosed with malaria after paying N200. She said the doctor told her to pay another N1,000 for drugs.
According to the latest report by the World Health Organisation , there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases and 627,000 malaria deaths — mostly children under five — worldwide in 2020. For instance, the federal government secured a $364 million credit facility from three multilateral banks; the World Bank, African Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank to fund health sector interventions in 13 states for five years against malaria.
Minutes later, she brought out some drugs: artemether, paracetamol, albendazole, amoxicillin, B-complex and Folic acid. All of these, according to her, cost N1600. Afterwards, the female nurse led the reporter to a room dedicated to laboratory activities where the personnel on dutyIn spite of the test result, some drugs including paracetamol and an anti-malaria tablet were prescribed, costing the reporter N1,500.Nageri Abdullahi, an official at the Kwara State Malaria Elimination Programme, confirmed that sharp practices were prevalent in primary healthcare centres.
“We had 450 facilities that we were supporting before now. Out of these 450 facilities, many didn’t meet up. Even though the state was also supporting 80 facilities too. But they were unable to account for the supplies,” he said. “They must be given free of charge after you have been tested or provide credible evidence that you have malaria.”To put the commissioner’s assuredness to test, a reporter visited theAt the hospital, the associate approached a doctor to complain that he had malaria symptoms — and some drugs were recommended.
Asked why the hospital’s pharmacy was handed over to a private firm to manage, the commissioner of health said “at some point when the state government had difficulties in paying salaries and could not provide drugs at general hospitals, we outsourced [to] some pharmaceutical companies because we do not want our hospitals to be without drugs.
Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)
Fmohnigeria BornoGovt sarmerdk2 GboyegaOyetola OhisNg iam_alfred1 gatesfoundation AIJC_Conference niyi_oyedeji AdejumoKabir2 This is not a new thing. Even general and state hospitals and basic health care centers.... They charge money for card registration, treatment and drugs....
Fmohnigeria BornoGovt sarmerdk2 GboyegaOyetola OhisNg iam_alfred1 gatesfoundation AIJC_Conference niyi_oyedeji AdejumoKabir2 Borno state has always been a corrupt state. Zulum can only do his best, I recall a time when a certain commissioner was selling food items meant for IDPs, you'll go to the market and find items with a 'not for sale' write up on them.
Fmohnigeria BornoGovt sarmerdk2 GboyegaOyetola OhisNg iam_alfred1 gatesfoundation AIJC_Conference niyi_oyedeji AdejumoKabir2 This is the norm in all government hospitals across the country. This is no new news. I can.confident say government hospitals are more expensive than private ones in Nigeria today. This is old news
Fmohnigeria BornoGovt sarmerdk2 GboyegaOyetola OhisNg iam_alfred1 gatesfoundation AIJC_Conference niyi_oyedeji AdejumoKabir2 The bitter truth is that Akol pharmacy is own by the special adviser to osun state Governor on public health.
Fmohnigeria BornoGovt sarmerdk2 GboyegaOyetola OhisNg iam_alfred1 gatesfoundation AIJC_Conference niyi_oyedeji AdejumoKabir2 Na today?....it have tayed
taiwoalabiho2 Fmohnigeria BornoGovt sarmerdk2 GboyegaOyetola OhisNg iam_alfred1 gatesfoundation AIJC_Conference niyi_oyedeji AdejumoKabir2 Follow back bro