Govt can’t provide adequate health care for Nigerians – Osinbajo

Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s vice president has said government both at the national and state level cannot provide adequate health care for its populace.

Mr Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday while declaring open the national health dialogue organised by Premium Times in Abuja.

The number two citizen represented by Nicolas Audiferren, his chief physician, suggested that an effective national health insurance scheme may be the best option for the development of the nation’s health sector.

“It has become obvious that the government, both at the state and federal levels, cannot adequately provide health care services. That’s the simple truth,” the vice president said.

“Our view is that an effective national health insurance scheme remains the best option for the development of our sector and for efficient health care services in this country,” he added.

Osinbajo reeled out some of the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari administration in the health sector.

“We were able to allocate 1% of the consolidated revenue fund towards the funding of key health initiative in compliance with National Health act.

“Last year we also launched the patients’ bill of right, initiated renovations and improve funding for primary health care institutions. We have been able to eradicate polio.” he said.

Although his principal vowed to end medical tourism abroad for government officials while seeking to be president, he has however not succeeded in doing so as at press time.