Reps committee vows to redirect medical tourism, reduce Japa syndrome

Members of the House of Representatives have vowed to redirect medical tourism to Nigeria under President Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

According to the lawmakers, the redirection of medical tourism to Nigeria will also reduce the Japa syndrome facing the health institutions in the country.

The Rep members disclosed this yesterday when its committee members on health institutions led by their chairman Amos Magaji paid an official oversight visit to the management and staff of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, DUFUTH, Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Magaji noted that the 10th National Assembly has concluded its determination to declare a state of emergency on health.

He, however, commended the immediate past governor, Senator David Umahi, for building such an edifice as the University Teaching Hospital in the state. He then assured that the challenges facing the institution would be appropriately addressed by the present administration.

Magaji, then called on Nigerians and other citizens of the country to visit the hospital for any health challenges, assuring them of quality medication and services.

Magaji said: “The vision of this centre is in line with the vision of the 10th National Assembly on advancing health institutions in this country. The vision of this committee is redirecting medical tourism to Nigeria and that’s what this centre is meant for; showing that it will make sure Nigerians are no longer travelling abroad for medical tourism.

“We have toured around, and seen health facilities such as liner accelerator, MRI machines, and of course the dedicated medical staff, among others. So, what we have seen in this hospital is interesting.

“One of the reasons for being here is to see things by ourselves. It will be part of what will form the appropriation of funds, interventions and of course yearly budgeting.

“We have seen the facilities in the hospital need to be sustained. We have toured around and equally seen where the hospital has issues of staff remuneration, light problem, water scarcity, and other challenges.”

Earlier in her address, the Chief Medical Director of DUFUTH, Uburu, Prof Uzoma Agwu drew the attention of the committee to some factors that have been hampering the effective and smooth attainment of the lofty projections in the institution.

According to her, the challenges of the institution were not limited to the absence of a steady water supply source and epileptic power supply from the public energy source.

“The weight of our budgetary allocation is so minimal to the volume of structural and superstructural facilities required to keep the teaching hospital afloat and sustain the existing standard as a centre of medical excellence.

“To this end, we appeal for your legislative intervention to increase our budgetary allocation and recruitment of more experienced and qualified staff to beef up the strength of personnel in this hospital.” Ends

 

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