The healthcare system in Zamfara is in need of total overhaul, the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) declared in Gusau on Saturday.

“Our healthcare system needs total overhaul in view of our assessment of the major pillars of the health system,” its chairman Manir Bature said at an event.

Speaking at the 2021 Physician’s Week of the NMA in the state, Mr Bature listed the pillars that are in need of overhaul as leadership and governance financing, access to essential medicine, health workforce, service delivery and health information system.

Mr Bature said COVID-19 has “complicated the precariously weak health system in our state,” and “exposed the level of decay” in Zamfara’s health infrastructure.

According to the state NMA chairman, “This twin tragedy provides an opportunity for the government and other relevant stakeholders to diagnose the real situation of our health system with a view to providing remedy for the betterment of the people.”

Appreciating Governor Bello Matawalle for “improving budgetary allocation to the health sector, Mr Bature said “NMA Zamfara will partner with the state government to convene a health summit with a view to evolving a workable solution to our weak health system.”

(NAN)