Legal framework to ensure sufficient medical equipment, to train medical staff and to observe sanitary standards

Abstract

Qualitative healthcare and universal coverage for health can only be achieved in a nation that has sufficient medical equipment, trained personnel and good sanitation. Without these, there can be no quality healthcare. Therefore, this paper examines the legal framework for the provision of sufficient equipment and training of medical staff and sanitation in Nigeria. The paper examines laws put in place by the government and observes that there are several laws in this regard but the problem bothers on implementation. The paper notes that all aspects of healthcare in Nigeria is tied to the annual budget and the federal government has not done so much in this regard as the health sector receives less than 5 % vote from the budget as against 15 % proposed in the AU Declaration. The paper also notes that health is not a justiciable right in Nigeria. It further notes that existing hospital equipment are dilapidated, sanitary condition is poor as there is no water and toilet facilities in most hospitals and this endangers the health of staff and patients. There is also brain drain in the sector as the personnel seek to earn a living in other climes with better welfare packages. The paper therefore recommends that the government should strive to provide the resources needed for equipment and training of medical staff by ensuring that 1 % of its budget from the Consolidated Revenue Account is dedicated to the health sector. The paper concludes by noting that universal coverage for health in Nigeria is possible and if the right steps are taken, medical tourism will be a thing of the past. Most importantly, sanitation in the health sector should be added to the conversation.