DISTURBED by the rising cases of sudden death in Nigeria, particularly amongst the productive male and female age-groups, the Nigerian Medical Association has called on Federal Government to set up a free national check-up day in the country.
NMA National President, who gave the indication weekend in Abuja, said the intensified the campaign for healthy living and regular health check-up were as progressive strategies for addressing the ugly trend.
“On behalf of the NMA, I wish to restate our call on the executive and legislative arms of Government at local, state and federal government levels to create a separate day, at least six-monthly or once a year dedicated to free health check-up by Nigerian citizens under their jurisdiction.
Theme of the 2013 Physicians’ week is: “Federalism and Nigeria’s Healthcare system – An appraisal of the Primary and Secondary healthcare systems”.
Enebulele, who alluded to the Association’s upcoming Physicians’ week as well as the on-going NMA campaign for better health said the subtheme tagged: “Demystifying Sudden death in Nigeria- Developing legislation for regular health check-up in Nigeria” was deliberately chosen.
“The sub-theme was chosen because of strong conviction that the poor health seeking behaviour, particularly the poor attitude to health check-ups, of a large majority of Nigerians is a significant contributor to the terrifying increase in cases of sudden death in Nigeria, and that something needs to be done urgently to arrest the trend.
A recent survey carried out by the NMA showed that most primary and secondary healthcare systems are deficient in health human resource, lack basic healthcare facilities and services, as well as adequate funding and essential drugs.
