Legislator Advocates Routine Health Screenings For Nigerians

Legislator Advocates Routine Health Screenings For Nigerians

Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, has called on Nigerians to prioritize regular health check-ups to maintain good health and longevity. In a recent oversight function at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Magaji emphasized the importance of proactive health monitoring, noting that many Nigerians only seek medical attention when they fall ill.

Highlighting the availability of advanced radiology departments in tertiary health institutions across Nigeria, Magaji urged citizens to utilize these facilities for comprehensive health assessments. He specifically recommended mammograms for women to detect breast and cervical cancers early, and regular prostate checks for men.

Expressing concern over the prevalent practice of self-medication, which contributes to rising cases of renal and liver diseases, Magaji advised against taking drugs without medical advice. He cautioned against purchasing medications from unapproved vendors, advocating instead for expert consultations and obtaining prescriptions from reputable pharmacies.

Addressing systemic challenges, Magaji criticized the inadequate budgetary allocations to tertiary health institutions, citing deficiencies in infrastructure and essential equipment. He called for increased government funding, particularly through enhanced coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and improve healthcare accessibility nationwide.

During the oversight visit, Professor Abdullahi Yusuf, Chief Medical Director of UITH, acknowledged the committee’s insights and stressed the need to minimize medical tourism by addressing hospital challenges such as power supply issues and funding shortages.

Looking ahead, Magaji affirmed the committee’s commitment to advocating for higher capital allocations to health institutions in the upcoming budget cycle, underscoring the necessity of bolstering healthcare infrastructure to curtail medical tourism and enhance domestic healthcare services.

Overall, Magaji’s recommendations underscore a proactive approach to healthcare, emphasizing prevention through regular check-ups and responsible medication practices, while calling for systemic improvements to bolster Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.