Healthcare Shake-Up: FG Targets Civil Service Reform Over Mounting Issues

Citing a need for a more modern and efficient policy framework, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced intentions to evaluate and enhance healthcare access for government officials nationwide.

During a free medical examination for government servants in Abuja, which was part of the ongoing celebrations for government Service Week, the Federation’s Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, made this announcement. Walson-Jack, who was accompanied by Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office, underlined the urgency of routine health examinations for government workers due to the taxing nature of their jobs.

According to Oyekunle, “anyone with good health will spend less money on hospital visits and will be more productive,” underscoring the clear connection between workplace productivity and health.

With many federal officials applauding the timely transmission of test results and the rapid administration of essential prescriptions, the free medical exercise was reportedly well received.

But under the present National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) program, Oyekunle recognized that civil servants continue to experience obstacles in obtaining necessary medications and proper care. “These are policy issues,” she emphasized, emphasizing the need for policy reform. Going back to the drawing board, we must create a new policy framework. What we currently have is out of date, particularly in light of the growing cost of drugs.

Program participants, civil servants, conveyed gratitude for the effort. Beneficiary Azeez Champion commended the event’s smooth execution in spite of the high attendance. “I recommend that those who are still in their offices seize this chance. Being healthy is a luxury. He claimed that because of sporadic check-ups, we had lost a lot of employees.

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Eneh Benedict, another volunteer, explained her experience, saying that the examination helped her identify excessive blood pressure, which she had not been aware of before. In addition to thanking the Head of Service for the initiative and urging its continuation, Benedict said, “I have been given medication, and it has already started improving.”

Assistant Director Dr. Longbap Dinfa of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation’s Wellness Center clarified that the health program was available to all civil servants, not only those employed by the HCSF. Among the tests he mentioned were screens for diabetes, typhoid, malaria, hepatitis B and C, blood pressure, and malaria.

“During the examination, we found multiple cases of malaria-typhoid, peptic ulcer, and undetected hepatitis. A woman collapsed on Sunday, but she was treated quickly and is now stable, according to Dr. Dinfa. The National Hospital was consulted for expert care in more complicated instances, he noted, and all federal personnel were encouraged to make routine medical examinations a priority.

Concerns regarding the sufficiency of the current health insurance program and the escalating cost of pharmaceuticals coincide with the government’s increased commitment to healthcare reform for public servants.