Senator Natasha Advocates for Enhanced Healthcare in Nigeria

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for a stronger healthcare ecosystem in Nigeria, advocating for improved working conditions, remuneration, and welfare packages for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives. She made these remarks at the “Unfinished” event organized by Ward C in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), focusing on maternal health, women’s rights, and reproductive choices.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that addressing maternal mortality requires more than just statistics, urging a closer examination of the realities faced by women and healthcare workers. She highlighted the need for adequate remuneration, functional medical equipment, essential medicines, reliable electricity, and conducive working environments for healthcare workers, especially in underserved communities.

The senator emphasized that better conditions of service would motivate medical professionals to remain committed to their responsibilities, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. She raised concerns about the sustainability of medical equipment in communities with unreliable electricity and questioned the preparedness of rural health facilities to manage complicated pregnancies and neonatal emergencies.