While am aware of the possible resistance of many politicians to this proposition, it is an obvious solution to our failing health sector in Nigeria.
State Governors (serving and former) and their families have benefited from State-Sponsored medical trips to countries like Germany, Spain, India and UK. Obviously, Presidents (serving and former) enjoy FG-sponsored medical trips outside the borders of Nigeria.
While this culture looks harmless on the surface, it has become the major clog in the wheel of progress of the health system of Nigeria. Why should the State Governors allocate the required percentage of their annual budget on Health when they know they will not use (patronize) them? It appears funny, but it is very clear. Should their be a legislation against foreign medical trips for State Governors; what we will have in Nigeria in less than 5 years is a competitive health system where excellence, quality and cost is brought to international standards.
When President Olusegun Obasanjo was in power, he traveled regularly to Germany for Medical check ups; President Yar’adua and President Goodluck also had their own Medical destinations. Assuming the past Presidents have taken it upon themselves to develop the health sector of Nigeria to enviable status in Africa; President Buhari wouldn’t have seen any need to visit United Kingdom for Medical check ups.
I therefore recommend to the constitution amendment committes of the Natinal Assembly to make foreign medical trips impossible for State Governors and President. In United States, there are certain things Mr President cannot do and there are certain countries Mr President cannot visit. We must learn from them and make wastefulness in the Presidency and State Houses at the expense of various sectors of the Nigerian society difficult for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and State Governors. I rest my case for now!
