The Association of Resident Doctors, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH-ARD) has warned that the COVID-19 cases are increasing in Nigeria, and advised people to continue with preventive measures.
Dr Dele Abdullahi, the President of the association made the call on Monday in Ilorin during a news conference organized as part of the activities of the 39th Annual General Meeting of the ARD-UITH.
He stated that the pandemic is very much with us, adding that the average Nigerian is forgetting the menace of the disease.
“COVID-19 will not go away. We just have to manage the disease and we don’t have to wait for another mass attack before we continue with the basic precaution,” he said.
Abdullahi stated that taking precautionary measures will also protect people from other communicable diseases.
Speaking further, Abdullahi explained the year 2022 has been a rather exigent one for members of this association with the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the Lassa fever resurgence.
He lamented on the economic downturn, increase in prices of fuel and all other commodities making day to day activities difficult.
The ARD-UITH president also pointed out on the mass exodus of doctors from Nigeria shores as well as problems associated with the employment of the few available, culminating in chronic shortage of manpower in our facility.
“These has resulted in burnout of the few sacrificing for the nation leading to suboptimal delivery of healthcare services in our community,” he said.
According to him, the 2022 theme of the AGM entitled: “The Abuja Declaration and Healthcare Financing in Nigeria: Perspective, Reality and Prospects”, is aimed at taking a critical look at the effectiveness of health financing in our society and its resultant effect on healthcare delivery.
He added that the subtheme are:”Kidney Protection: Evolving and Emerging Threats, Call to Action”.
Abdullahi pointed out that the theme was carefully selected to curb the rising trend of declining renal health among the Nigerian populace especially the youth keeping in view the risk emerging and resurging health challenges pose.
He also observed that the executive year has witnessed massive highs and lows, with the painful loss of members.
The President of the association noted that modest achievement have been recorded, such as payment of Medical residency training funds to members, refurbishment of Call Rooms and commencement of expansion of the association lodge of residence among others.
He urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the healthcare system and critically look into modalities of improving health care financing and infrastructural development in our health facilities.
He pointed out that this will improve healthcare delivery and stem the tide of health workers exodus.
“We will also like to call on government officials especially those in the health sector not to be distracted by the imbroglio of the forthcoming elections as this may be detrimental for our health care system,” he said.
He added that some activities of the AGM includes Surgical and Medical Outreach in Omupo Community and Scientific Conference.(NAN)
