Photo: Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council
The Delta State Government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the state are under threat due to the poor attitude of some health workers, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has posited.
In a radio programme in Asaba recently, Comrade Oyowe expressed concerns that despite the progress made by the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, complaints about some staff are threatening to undermine the program’s success.
He noted that the nonchalant attitude of some health workers to patients in both public and private health facilities is capable of giving the Delta State Government a negative image, despite the scheme’s good intentions.
“The state government’s efforts could be jeopardized if the attitude of some health workers and facilities under the scheme is not checked,” Comrade Oyowe said, urging the authorities to take prompt action to address the issues of nonchalance on the part of workers andthe “no drug” syndrome.
Comrade Oyowe also alleged that some private health facilities in the state are more concerned about profits than rendering proper services to subscribers of the scheme.
He pleaded with health facilities to use the right drugs to treat patients and prioritize the health of all Deltans and subscribers.
“Nonchalance in any health facility is akin to throwing stones in the marketplace; you may never tell who it will hit,” Comrade Oyowe said, advising that every patient deserved to be treated well.
However, Comrade Oyowe commended those health facilities and health workers who have been professional in their duties, contributing to the scheme’s success.
Comrade Oyowe’s concerns come as the Delta State Government continues to invest heavily in the healthcare sector, with the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme being a flagship program.
By addressing the attitude of some health workers, the state government can ensure the scheme achieves its full potential and provides quality healthcare to residents. Failure to do so could undermine the program’s success and tarnish the image of the state government.
