Health
Why Over 40m Nigerians Can’t See A Doctor – ICS-NS
The acute shortage of medical doctors in Nigeria came to the fore when it was disclosed that as many as 40 million Nigerians cannot see a medical doctor when needed.
This information featured in converstions at the 56th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the International College of Surgeons, Nigerian Section, (ICS-NS), over the weekend in Lagos.
A communique jointly signed by the President of the college, Prof. Akanimo Essiet, and the Secretary-General, Prof. Lucky Onotai decried that “The ‘JAPA’ phenomenon has drastically reduced our healthcare workforce”.
It pointed out that over a six-year period, Nigeria lost up to 6,221 qualified medical doctors to the UK alone, which has made it difficult for over 40 million Nigerians to see a doctor, as the patient-to-doctor ratio has risen sharply.
Relevant part of the communique read, ”Studies show that about 87 per cent of our workforce are dissatisfied and wish to emigrate to greener pastures.
“Before 2022, we had a ratio of 1 doctor to 4,000 patients whereas the WHO recommended standard is 1 doctor to 600 patients.
“Evidence shows that the gap widens and the number of registered Nigerian doctors in the UK rose from 4,765 in 2017 to 10,986 in 2023.
“This meant that 6,221 doctors were lost to the UK in the past six years. This suggests that over 40 million Nigerians will find it harder to see a doctor.
“With the weakening of our currency against the US dollar, our healthcare professionals now earn between one-fifth to one-tenth of what their foreign counterparts earn.
“Our healthcare policy needs to gradually transform from the predominantly out-of-pocket financing method into the NHIA financed method.
“Private sector-led healthcare mega businesses can be encouraged with good regulation to boost the funding of healthcare services.
“This will lead to improved emoluments for healthcare workers and facilities as well as better access to quality healthcare for Nigeria.
“The security situation in the country is alarming and impacting negatively on the health status of Nigerians. Government should act decisively to bring it under control.
“The above three issues have impacted grossly and negatively on the health of Nigerians since they favour migration.”
The solution to this menace, according to the ICS-NS is a universal health coverage at the three tiers of government – national, state and local government.
“The insurance fund should be grown, and equitable payments should be offered to HMOs and healthcare providers.
“Access to capital should be made easy and affordable for investors in the health sector.
“State and local governments should endeavour to attract healthcare workers by providing good healthcare facilities, good roads, improved electricity, access to potable drinking water, outstanding schools, and access to telecommunication.
“This will lead to an improvement in the number of healthcare workers in those areas.
“The government at all levels should support the ICS-NS surgical missions each time the college requests for collaboration and funding to achieve the desired excellent surgical care delivery to Nigerians.
“For these to be achieved, budgetary allocation for health necessarily needs to be significantly improved to ultimately reach the WHO recommended percentage of the national budget,” it added.
Health
Cholera Outbreak In Sokoto Claims 25 Lives, Over 1,000 Infected
A cholera outbreak in Sokoto State has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with 1,160 confirmed cases recorded in three local government areas.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday.
She revealed that 15 patients are currently receiving treatment for the disease, which was confirmed through laboratory tests.
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“Out of 1,160 people affected by the outbreak, 25 have succumbed to the disease,” Dr. Balarabe said.
In response, the state government has ramped up efforts to curtail the spread of the infection, which is caused by consuming contaminated water or food.
“The state rescue teams are collaborating with the government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease,” the commissioner stated.
To address the crisis, the government has ordered the immediate purchase and distribution of essential drugs free of charge to all 18 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Balarabe urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if they exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The outbreak has highlighted the need for improved sanitation and clean water access in affected communities, as health authorities work to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.
Health
Don’t Ignore These Hidden Health Clues In Your Urine
Your body has subtle ways of communicating essential information about your health—and sometimes, one of the simplest clues is the color of your urine.
Urine, which is about 95% water, forms when your kidneys filter out waste and excess water from your blood. Normally ranging from light yellow to amber, it provides insights into your hydration and more.
Changes in urine color, smell, or frequency can serve as early indicators of potential health conditions.
While most color shifts are harmless and temporary, persistent changes could suggest a more significant issue.
“Tracking these signs can be a simple way to monitor hydration and potentially catch health issues early,” says Dr. Jenna Lewis, a nephrologist at Healthline Clinic.
Here’s a guide to what different urine colors might mean for your health:
Clear or Very Light Yellow
This typically shows you’re well-hydrated. While generally a positive sign, consistently clear urine could indicate overhydration, which may lower salt levels in your body.
Light to Medium Yellow
Often considered the “healthy” zone, this shade reflects good hydration without excess water intake.
Dark Yellow to Amber
A darker shade often indicates a need for more water. This is common in the morning or after exercise and can usually be resolved by drinking more fluids.
Orange
Dehydration may lead to orange urine, but other factors can also contribute. High levels of beta-carotene (found in foods like carrots) or certain medications can turn urine orange.
Persistent orange urine might signal liver or bile duct issues, so consult a doctor if it persists.
Pink or Red
While foods like beets or berries can cause pinkish urine, this color can also indicate the presence of blood, possibly signaling kidney problems, infections, or kidney stones. If diet isn’t the cause, seek medical advice.
Brown or Cola-Colored
This shade may suggest dehydration or, in some cases, a more severe issue. Brown urine can indicate liver or kidney problems, or a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down. Persistent brown urine warrants a visit to the doctor.
Blue or Green
Rarely, certain medications, dyes, or health conditions can produce blue or green urine. While often harmless, persistent blue or green urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Cloudy or Milky
Cloudy urine may indicate an infection or excess minerals. It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or mild dehydration. Sometimes, excess proteins or fats may also cause this cloudiness.
Most changes in urine color are temporary, especially when related to hydration, diet, or harmless compounds. However, experts agree that if unusual colors or symptoms persist, a consultation with a healthcare provider is wise.
“Listening to your body’s signals, even through something as simple as urine color, can offer valuable insights into your overall health,” adds Dr. Lewis.
By keeping an eye on these colors, you can stay on top of hydration and potentially catch health issues early.
Health
JUST IN: JOHESU Launches Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Demands
Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have announced a seven-day warning strike set to begin at midnight on Friday.
This action follows a 15-day notice of industrial action issued to the Federal Government.
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Addressing journalists in Abuja, JOHESU’s national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, outlined the union’s primary demands, emphasizing a need for immediate action to address ongoing concerns affecting healthcare workers across the nation.
Key demands include the urgent implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and the payment of a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.
The union is also calling for an upward review of the retirement age for healthcare workers, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the immediate disbursement of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances.
Minjibir urged all union members nationwide to adhere to the strike directive, underscoring that compliance would be essential in pushing for their demands.
Details shortly………….