Minister of labour and productivity, Chris Ngige has commented on state of the country’s health care sector amid the ongoing strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
When asked if the country’s healthcare sector is good enough to discourage Nigerians from travelling abroad in an interview on Channels Television, the Minister said it is fairly okay and further disclosed that he has received commendable medical attention at the National Hospital, Abuja, and another private hospital in the country.
He said; “I haven’t said everything is perfect. I have said that viz-a-viz what we have on ground and the political situation we have, what we are practising — a federation — where health is on the concurrent list, the federal government has exercised its own function well, for me.
“On a good note, on an average note, on a comparative note, medical treatment here is fairly okay as far as I’m concerned. Yes, at least if you visit federal medical centres.
“I use the National Hospital here (referring to Abuja). You can go; my card is there.”
When asked if Nigerians should travel abroad for medical treatment, Ngige responded; “Why? What are you going to do abroad? Expertise is here.”
He was asked why some persons still have to travel abroad for medical check-up despite the amount budgeted to improve the health sector, the Minister said in response;
“For me, it depends on you. If you have the means and you want to do a second option abroad, why not? It is permitted. I have my doctors here.”
