The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has called on the federal and state governments to significantly increase funding to the health sector and address what it described as long-standing professional imbalances in health leadership.
In a communiqué issued after a two-day South-West Zonal Leadership Conference held in Osogbo, Osun State, the union decried Nigeria’s failure to meet the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of allocating at least 15 percent of the national budget to healthcare. The union described the current funding levels as grossly inadequate and detrimental to the country’s healthcare delivery.
The communiqué, jointly signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Muyiwa Moronkeji, and the Planning Committee Chairman, Emmanuel Ogunbanwo, urged both federal and state governments to adopt the WHO benchmark of 15 percent, accompanied by transparent oversight and effective implementation strategies.
NUAHP further advocated improved remuneration, continuous capacity building, and enhanced welfare packages for allied health professionals, stating that such measures are necessary to stem the tide of brain drain that has plagued the sector.
NUAHP Calls for Leadership Inclusion, Infrastructure Investment, and Enhanced Safety for Healthcare Workers
The union also called for massive investments in healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing the need to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services across all communities.
A major concern raised at the conference was the continued exclusion of allied health professionals from leadership positions in the sector. The union criticized the policy of appointing only medical doctors as heads of healthcare institutions and as Ministers of Health, calling it outdated and discriminatory.
In a bold appeal to President Bola Tinubu, NUAHP demanded that a qualified allied health professional be considered for appointment as Nigeria’s next Minister of Health and Social Welfare. The union also urged state governors to consider allied health professionals for commissioner roles and other top health-related appointments.
“These steps are critical to repositioning Nigeria’s healthcare system towards greater efficiency, inclusiveness, and improved health outcomes,” the communiqué stated.
Additionally, the union expressed concern over the welfare and safety of healthcare workers, particularly in high-risk zones. It called for improved working conditions, regular professional development, and a more robust security framework to protect health personnel and facilities.
While commending the efforts of security agencies, NUAHP emphasized the need for a more strategic and effective approach to combating insecurity that endangers frontline health workers and disrupts essential medical services.
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…by Ani Juliana.
