By Offong Umoh Offong
Of Corporate Affairs, UUTH
The place of health in the scheme of things would always remain significant, yet, not much is being done to justify its importance.
Often times, people seem to be attracted more, to frivolities than to issues that should take prime attention.
This global lack of much-concern for a crucial sector over the years, has also elicited resentments in various quarters, as a saving measure to address this problem.
In an effort to draw attention and to bring health matters to the front-burner, a former Indian leader Mahatma Ghandi had once remarked that it is health that is real wealth and not pieces of silver and gold.
This has seemingly fallen on deaf ears as little attention is paid to health by people, even with the advice that keeping the body in good health is the major duty since one would not be able to keep one’s mind strong and clear in the absence of good health.
Take for instance the Akwa Ibom State case where about three million people are depending on the only tertiary institution- the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital UUTH for health matters.
Have we for once thought it wise to pity how a place like UUTH (initially meant for crucial major medical issues) is now coping with several daily consultations on minor issues, with attendant challenge of overstretched facilities?
If, as it is often said that health is not valued till sickness comes; and that sickness can come the way of both the rich and the poor, then how are we prepared to help tackle this?
Shouldn’t now be the time to contribute to the upkeep of an institution as UUTH since it is only the major outfit we always run to, in times of need?
Agreed that it is a federal tertiary institution of note, but, if we come to think of it- can the government handle everything alone in the face of dwindling resources?
Therefore, since everyone is a stakeholder in the business of managing health, we all should now fold our sleeves and begin the work of supporting the hospital.
Unfortunately, some would tend to exhibit the so called I DON’T CARE ATTITUDE, claiming that they are not concerned on whatever happens to the health sector, even when they may not be altogether alright.
In the process, they fail to give any consideration to the World Health Organization’s advice that good health is a state of complete physical, social and mental well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
And to worsen the matter, ill-informed people would delight in taking front seat in criticizing the teaching hospital in ignorance.
It would be a great idea for one to know that every kobo invested in health matter pays great dividends of a sound health.
We had better learn from people like a Canadian producer, Keanu Reeves who said, quote- Money doesn’t mean anything to me. I’ve made a lot of money, but I want to enjoy life and not stress myself building my bank account. I give lots away and live simply, mostly out of a suitcase in hotels. We all know that good health is much more important, unquote.
In fact, let us support the UUTH in its determination to drive its mandate to a cherishing level.
Let us know that issues of health traverse other sectors simply because any defect in health of the people could also affect the health of the economy.
Is it not even cheering news that along with the traditional and unequivocal arguments on social justice and the importance of health, it is now accepted that better health outcomes play a crucial role in reducing poverty?
This is why we are making a clarion call on the state government, corporate bodies and wealthy individuals to come to the aid of the hospital and support it in the discharge of the healthcare services to the people of Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
Government should also intensify efforts, especially on policy coherence, to ensure that policies in health sector contribute to health sector objectives.
Notwithstanding the biting economic environment and paucity of funds from dwindling oil revenue, the health institution would maintain a steady lead in service delivery.
This is because the Professor Etete Peters led management believes in Winston S. Churchill’s standpoint that healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.
