‘No more funding for treatment abroad’

The Federal Government will not provide funds for government officials travelling abroad for treatment unless the case cannot be handled in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health said yesterday.

A statement by its Director, Media and Public Relations, Mrs. Boade Akinola, in Abuja, said President Muhammadu Buhari made this known at the opening of the 56th Annual General Conference of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Sokoto.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said the government would not deny anyone his or her fundamental human rights.

But he added: “We will not encourage expending resources on government officials seeking treatment abroad when such can be handled in Nigeria.”

Buhari called on health professionals to discontinue inter-professional crises impacting negatively on the healthcare delivery system .

“We have seen the hazards this unfortunate and highly preventable problem caused the quality of health care delivery in Nigeria.

“May I employ NMA to always imbibe teamwork to ensure harmonious relationship with health professionals, no profession can function without the other,” he said.

Concerning their welfare, the President said “government will review previous agreements and take decisions that will not infringe on rights of the workers.

“This government will invest in programme that will improve capacity of all cadres of health workers.’’

posted by Oscar Jonathan