President Bola Tinubu.
By Joseph Odok
Subsidy on health is becoming very necessary in Nigeria today because of pressure that is a result of astronomical jump in the price of pharmaceutical and medical care. Therefore the news that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a subsidy on kidney dialysis in federal hospitals across Nigeria is highly commendable and praiseworthy especially as Nigerians need safety nets as advised by the DG World Trade Organization Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala . If the scheme is religiously implemented, it is aimed at reducing the cost of each dialysis session from _₦50,000 to ₦12,000; a 76% reduction.
Impact of the Subsidy
The subsidy aims to bring relief to thousands of Nigerians battling kidney-related diseases, making dialysis more affordable and accessible.
Details of the Subsidy reveal that the subsidy is initially implemented in 10 federal medical centers and teaching hospitals across the six geopolitical zones. Affected Hospitals include: Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, FMC, Jabi, Abuja, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, FMC, Owerri, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), FMC, Abeokuta, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), FMC, Azare, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). However, there are expansion plans as more federal medical centers and teaching hospitals will be added before the end of the year to widen access nationwide according to presidential sources.
Considerations Regarding the Scheme
While this move is seen as a “game-changer” for patients with kidney failure, there are some considerations regarding the scheme with issues ranging from Initial Limited Scope with implementation only in 10 federal medical centers across the six geopolitical zones. There is also the challenge of Need for Sustainable Funding. Critics argue that sustainable funding and transparency in implementation are crucial to the scheme’s success. Another challenge bothers on Shortage of Dialysis Centers and Specialists which could impact the effectiveness of the subsidy.
Benefits of the Subsidy Scheme
The Benefits of the Subsidy Scheme are highly praiseworthy as it will lead to Increased Affordability thereby making dialysis more affordable for Nigerians battling kidney-related illnesses. There is also the advantage of Improved Access to dialysis treatment in federal hospitals nationwide.
Need for Transparency
With growing trust deficit looming large amongst Nigerians especially as a result of mismanagement of well-intentioned intervention programs of this administration, there is need for more commitment, transparency, and impact-based agenda aimed at reaching Nigerians in the streets and not just limited to propaganda.
Programs like this need to be implemented with greater intentionality, vigor, and transparency to improve on the approval rating of the President.
Ensuring transparency in the implementation of the subsidy scheme on kidney dialysis in Nigeria is crucial for its success and effectiveness. The following are therefore very necessary:
A) Clear Implementation Details: Clear communication on how the subsidy will be implemented, managed, and monitored in the selected federal medical centers.
B) Sustainability and Funding: Transparency regarding the funding source and sustainability plans for the subsidy to ensure long-term impact.
C) Access and Equity: Ensuring the subsidy benefits those in need across different regions, considering the limited initial scope in 10 federal medical centers.
Implications for Healthcare in Nigeria
Impact on Patients: there will be increased affordability of dialysis that will improve health outcomes for patients with kidney failure. The Subsidy scheme should be aimed at addressing healthcare system challenges especially the shortages of dialysis centers and trained specialists that are vital for the scheme’s effectiveness.
The drive of the government should be more on impact than propaganda because Nigerians are increasingly getting impatient. May this scheme be an additional feather to this administration. It pays to wish the government well and the government makes this easy by living up to its responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of its citizens. The raw materials of governance is the betterment of the lives of the people, President Tinubu needs act more decisively and intentionally now than ever.
Odok PhD Esq is a social critic, political Analyst and a Teacher with the University of Calabar.
