By Adadareporter
Nigerian politicians should learn from medical ordeals of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and fix the country’s health facilities.
This was the verdict of some residents of Awka, Anambra State capital, who spoke with Adadareporter on Monday.
Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, are currently embroiled in an organ harvest saga in the UK. Their case will be heard on July 7 to determine their culpability in a case of alleged teenage trafficking with the intent to harvest his organ.
Speaking on the subject, Othneil Okoye, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said, “What goes around comes around. I’m not in medical sciences, but I guess if funds stolen daily by politicians in Nigeria are channelled towards the health sector, Nigeria ought to have standard hospitals that can handle organ transplants. Ekweremadu wouldn’t have been in this mess if he and his co-travellers had taken the hint.”
Innocent Ossai, a medical doctor, said, “Overseas, Nigerian doctors blaze the trail. The difference between those in Nigeria and those overseas is the environment. Over there, they have equipment and better conditions of service.
“I advise our leaders to think home. We have teaching hospitals without even regular power supply, let alone modern facilities. Our doctors are of standards, but they lack motivation. That’s why they seek pastures anew.”
Osmond Ekwueme, a publisher, said, “I pity Ekweremadu’s daughter. But those who are privileged should remind their parents to factor the plight of the less privileged into their plans.
“What does it take to have state-of-the-arts medical facilities in every state of Nigeria? It will never be possible because even President Muhammadu Buhari has no faith in our health sector.
“Those aspiring to become our presidents also do not see anything good in our health sector. They embark on medical tourism even when rain beats them. I advise them to fix all sectors of Nigeria’s economy instead of embarking on stealing-spree. That was why many of them died during Covid-19 restrictions. Their health records are abroad.
“A Nigerian senator can build a world-class hospital that can handle kidney transplant, but they will rather stockpile their wealth ahead of elections. I was happy reading that former South African president, Nelson Mandela, chose to be treated locally when he was sick.”
