…The current system has, for the most part, neglected the patients for whom the hospitals are meant…
By Adamu Haladu (MAUTH Yola)
The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria, IMAN, has moved for the humanisation of the Nigerian healthcare system, to be patient centred, as the new narrativisation and healthcare order.
IMAN’s position was presented at the association’s 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference with the theme; Humanising Today’s Healthcare, held in Gombe state capital.
Islamic Medical Association (IMAN), is an umbrella that comprises Muslim professionals, medical and health workers in the health sector across the country.
In his keynote address, in tune with the conference theme, Dr. Sadiq Muhammad lamented that the healthcare system in Nigeria has come a long way but in spite of the efforts made by health workers and the tremendous achievements recorded, the system has still neglected the patients’ care, especially those expressing unpredictable duration of cure abd challenging treatment paths, among other daunting issues.
Muhammad pointed out that the healthcare system in the country is associated with challenges; instancing in the responsibilities not well defined in the system; either for the individual or collective – in giving the citizens required healthcare services at all levels; stressing that the system is more to workers rather than being patients centered.
It makes the ground for the medical and health workers to agitate only for the increment of salaries and other welfare packages, lest they ground the healthcare services, rather than seek for an improved healthcare services in general.
Improper management of information and communication gaps are identified as additional challenges in the system, where Muhammad explained that patients are, for the most part, left without knowing what exactly their diagnoses were or what to do next?
Muhammad has called on the parties concerned to design a road map, a healthcare system tbat would be based on the needs of the populace, conveniences, availability and equal distribution of technology and skills.
Having thanked the leadership of IMAN for the critical thought of the topical concern, with a view to mapping out a way forward to achieving a citizens centred healthcare system, the keynote address presenter refer to humanizing as something one should think not something one should do.