The need for a more modern and efficient policy framework has prompted the Federal Government to announce plans to evaluate and enhance healthcare access for civil officials throughout Nigeria.
As part of the ongoing celebrations for government Service Week, the Federation’s Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, made this announcement at a free medical examination for government servants in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office, Walson-Jack underlined the vital significance of routine health examinations for government workers, considering the taxing nature of their jobs.
The direct correlation between health and workplace efficiency was highlighted by Oyekunle, who said, “Anyone with good health will spend less money on hospital visits and will be more productive.”
According to reports, the free medical exercise was well received, and many public personnel praised the timely delivery of test results and the rapid provision of essential prescriptions.
Notwithstanding, Oyekunle recognized that civil personnel continue to have obstacles in obtaining necessary medications and proper care under the present National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) program. These are policy challenges, she emphasized, underscoring the need for immediate policy reform. A revised policy framework must be developed, and we must start over. Our current system is out of date, particularly in light of the growing cost of medications.
Those civil personnel who took part in the training conveyed gratitude for the effort. One of the recipients, Azeez Champion, commended the event’s flawless planning in spite of the high attendance. “Those who are still in their offices should seize this chance,” I say. Well-being is riches. Unreliable check-ups have cost us a lot of employees,” he stated.
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Another participant, Eneh Benedict, talked about her experience, saying that the checkup helped her identify excessive blood pressure, which she had not known existed. Benedict said, “I have been given medication, and it has already started improving,” thanking the Head of Service for the gesture and urging its continuation.
All civil servants, not just those in the HCSF, could participate in the health program, according to Dr. Longbap Dinfa, Assistant Director at the Wellness Center, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. Blood pressure, diabetes, typhoid, malaria, and hepatitis B and C screenings were among the tests he mentioned.
During the examination, we found multiple cases of unseen hepatitis, peptic ulcers, and malaria-typhoid. A woman who collapsed on Sunday received quick medical attention and is now stable, according to Dr. Dinfa. In addition, he said that more complicated cases were sent to the National Hospital for expert care and encouraged all federal personnel to make routine health examinations a priority.
Amid growing worries about the sufficiency of the current health insurance program and rising prescription prices, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to healthcare reform for public officials.
