Nigeria: FG Reports Health Gains, Urges NMA to Lead Fight Against Quackery

The Nigerian government has reported health sector advancements while urging the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to lead the battle against quackery. Health Minister Iziaq Salako, speaking at the NMA's First Ordinary National Executive Council meeting, highlighted the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative's 84% implementation.

This initiative has led to increased funding for primary healthcare, with over 8,000 primary health care centers receiving direct facility financing. Maternal mortality and newborn deaths have also seen reductions, with nearly 48,000 women receiving free emergency obstetric care and more than 4,000 free caesarean sections performed.

Health insurance coverage has expanded from 16 million Nigerians in 2023 to over 22 million. The government has also recruited 37,000 health workers and doubled medical school quotas. However, Salako urged the NMA to strengthen clinical governance, ensure accurate death reporting, and combat absenteeism, patient diversion to private facilities, and informal payments by healthcare workers.

The government condemned quackery, describing it as "homicide by instalment," and announced an investigation into a viral report of an organ-harvesting syndicate. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has removed falsified drugs worth billions from Aba, Onitsha, and Lagos.