Nigeria needs affordable healthcare delivery for the downtrodden

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Monday, advocated the provision of affordable healthcare delivery for the downtrodden. A statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, quoted the Oba as stating this at the official commissioning ceremony of Muslim Hospital, Oyo. Alaafin said there is urgent moral and economic necessity to stop medical costs from pushing vulnerable people deeper into poverty. Oba Owoade added that most poor families pay for medical care using their own cash, and that buying medicine or paying hospital bills forces families to skip meals or sell belongings, just as high fees stop people from seeking early treatment for common diseases like malaria. 'Bringing health care directly to communities is one effective solution to overcome physical barriers. Mobile health clinics and telemedicine services allow health care providers to reach remote or rural populations, reducing the need for travel and ensuring that patients receive care without excessive costs,' he said. Oba Owoade added, 'This directly tackles the issue of insufficient primary health centers and ensures health care is more accessible, improving access to health care for marginalised communities in the country. 'Mobile clinics have proven effective in bridging the gap in healthcare delivery by providing both preventive and curative services to Nigeria's rural and underserved populations.' The Alaafin added: 'To tackle inadequate primary health care services in the country, there is the need for prioritising their revitalisation, and that strengthening these facilities can significantly improve access to health care for rural populations as they are the first point of contact for most vulnerable populations.' He added that strengthening primary health facilities, expanding micro health insurance, deploying mobile health clinics, and enhancing governance are critical steps towards ensuring equitable healthcare access. Alaafin of Oyo health care