Health
National Assembly Urges Declaration Of Emergency On Health Sector
The Head of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, Amos Magaji has emphasized the necessity of declaring an emergency in the health sector to better cater to the needs of Nigerians.
He highlighted that addressing the issues within the nation’s health system demands a comprehensive strategy and assured that significant improvements would occur once the essential steps were taken.
Magaji addressed the committee at the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti during their oversight visit to health facilities in the Southwest on Wednesday.
Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, the Chief Medical Director of FETHI, guided the committee through an inspection of the hospital’s facilities and projects.
Ajayi highlighted the challenges faced by the institution, citing issues such as high power expenses, insufficient water supply, inadequate access roads, environmental concerns, uncertain staffing plans, and the necessity for medical facility upgrades.
The House Committee members inspected various facilities during their visit, including the Isolation Ward, new Hispathology building, Accident and Emergency Ward, Assisted Reproductive Technology building, 150-bedded building, Molecular Laboratory, and Physiotherapy Building.
The lawmaker highlighted that the Federal Government’s annual budget allocation for health was significantly insufficient to effectively and efficiently operate hospitals, especially considering the country’s population, which hampers adequate service for both hospitals and patients.
He said, “The National Assembly, going forward, will be pushing for a state of emergency to be declared on Health because where we are now as a nation, it is not possible that health will be funded by the budget.
“We have gone around many health institutions and the problems are the same, lack of equipment, the manpower is a problem, equipment is a problem, the infrastructure in health institutions is also massively inadequate and of course very critical, the issue of power is killing the health institutions.” he added.
Magaji stated that as a part of their efforts to address sectoral issues, the committee planned to convene a meeting, inviting the national leadership of health unions and relevant government departments to discuss the non-payment of arrears, bonuses, and salaries owed to certain health workers.
“This is not the time for health workers to work without receiving their payment. Then the issue of one-on-one replacement, we are looking at it. Immediately we get back to Abuja, we will call on all the relevant agencies to discuss how to remove all the bottlenecks in employment or replacement in the healthcare sector.
“We are also looking at how to expand the quotas in medical admission in universities. One of the solutions is the enrolment of students in medical colleges, making the study of medicine attractive in Nigeria. If we have many young people studying Medicine, even if there is japa, we will still have enough people to practice medicine in Nigeria.”
Magaji praised the management of FETHI for effectively utilizing the available space and executing extensive expansion projects, commending, “We’re impressed with how they’ve maximized the resources provided by the Federal Government.”
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………….