NMA Chair: Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Causes Deaths

Dr. Aniekan Peter, the chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association's Akwa Ibom State chapter, has stated that out-of-pocket healthcare costs are causing avoidable deaths among Nigerians, particularly those from low-income families who cannot afford medical expenses. He emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the health sector by increasing budget allocations and implementing a universal health insurance scheme funded by a percentage of industrial tax.

Dr. Peter criticized the current healthcare system, which forces many to avoid hospitals due to high costs, leading to preventable deaths. He also pointed out the low wages of healthcare workers, which contribute to a brain drain and the prevalence of quackery.

He urged the government to improve the welfare of healthcare workers and to establish a task force to address these issues. Furthermore, he called for the federal government to open more medical centers in Akwa Ibom State to meet the healthcare needs of its high population.