WACP decries gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare, push for urgent reforms

The Nigerian Chapter of the West African College of Physicians has raised concern over persistent gaps in the country’s healthcare system, calling on government at all levels to take urgent steps in addressing issues around lifestyle-related diseases, inequitable access to care, and delays in cancer detection.

This call was made during a media briefing held in Kano on Saturday, following the conclusion of the College’s 49th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, which took place from July 21 to 25.

Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu, Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine and National Chairman of the Nigerian Chapter, said the conference focused on lifestyle modification, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), and cancer prevention and control.

He noted that while the BHCPF was created to revitalize primary healthcare across the country, not all health facilities are currently benefiting from it.

He stressed the need for the federal government to ensure timely and equitable disbursement of the fund and called on state and local governments to meet their counterpart funding obligations to ensure sustainability and quality service delivery.

Professor Uzochukwu also addressed the increasing burden of cancer in the country, advocating for the rollout of affordable, community-based cancer screening programs nationwide.

According to him, early detection is critical in saving lives, particularly in underserved communities with limited access to healthcare facilities.

“Late detection continues to claim lives, especially in communities lacking access to healthcare facilities,” he said.

Beyond cancer, he emphasized that most diseases affecting Nigerians today are linked to poor lifestyle choices — including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary behaviour, and unhealthy diets.

He called for the integration of lifestyle education into all levels of healthcare delivery, as well as the training curricula of healthcare professionals.

He said the goal is to ensure that doctors, nurses, and all medical practitioners — including those in postgraduate programs — are equipped to address the root causes of non-communicable diseases.

The College also called for stronger collaboration between the health sector and other sectors such as education, agriculture, and the environment in order to address the broader social determinants of health.

As part of its conference activities, the College conducted an outreach program in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, where over 3,000 patients were attended to.

Services provided included free medical and surgical care, screening for diabetes, hypertension, and other illnesses, as well as training of healthcare workers on newborn resuscitation in response to rising neonatal deaths.

A total of 3,118 patients were seen, diagnosed, treated free of charge, and some were referred for further care.

Professor Uzochukwu concluded by reaffirming the College’s commitment to advancing healthcare access for Nigerians through advocacy, professional excellence, policy engagement, and capacity building.

He said the Nigerian Chapter remains firm in its mission to promote quality healthcare and contribute meaningfully to the development of public health across the region.