In a recent public lecture, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, shed light on the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and life expectancy, urging for immediate reforms to enhance access to quality medical care for all citizens. Speaking at the 6th Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Obi emphasized the connection between health and development, noting that Nigeria’s life expectancy of 65 years is among the lowest globally.
Obi criticized the government’s handling of healthcare, citing the inadequate primary healthcare facilities, high infant mortality rates, and the reliance on imported drugs that are often unaffordable for many Nigerians. He called for comprehensive changes to the system, advocating for increased investment in healthcare, local drug manufacturing support, affordable insurance schemes, and poverty alleviation to enable wider access to healthcare services.
Highlighting the economic implications of poor healthcare, Obi stressed the need for committed and compassionate governance to tackle the healthcare crisis effectively. He also emphasized the importance of pharmacists and access to quality medicines in the healthcare ecosystem.
Obi’s insightful remarks underscore the critical need for reform in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, spotlighting the urgency of prioritizing the well-being of the population.