Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, has urged Nigerians to regularly undergo health checkups either at hospitals or private medical labs to stay informed about their health status.
He expressed concern over the common practice among Nigerians to only seek medical attention when they fall ill and are hospitalized. Magaji emphasized the importance of visiting hospitals for medical tests to promote longevity and overall well-being.
Highlighting the availability of necessary equipment in hospitals, Magaji encouraged women to utilize mammograms for breast and cervical cancer screenings, and advised men to undergo regular tests for prostate enlargement annually. He stressed the need for people to adopt a culture of periodic health checks to proactively monitor their health conditions.
Magaji emphasized that regular health checks not only help individuals understand their health status beforehand but also aid doctors in providing timely medical interventions. He urged Nigerians not to wait until they are sick before seeking medical evaluations either at hospitals or accredited medical laboratories across the country.
Amos Magaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice from professionals before taking medications, noting that self-medication has contributed significantly to rising cases of renal and liver diseases in Nigeria.
He cautioned against the use of unapproved drugs such as local herbs and medications bought from roadside vendors, urging Nigerians to consult healthcare experts for proper prescriptions to avoid health complications.
Magaji stressed the risks associated with opting for cheaper medications, highlighting that while healthcare costs may be high, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and invest in medications prescribed by reputable pharmacies and medical professionals.
Addressing the healthcare infrastructure challenges, Magaji expressed concern over inadequate funding for tertiary health institutions, which limits their ability to provide necessary facilities and equipment.
He called for increased government funding through the National Health Insurance Scheme to cover a larger percentage of the population, aiming to achieve comprehensive healthcare coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatments.
During oversight visits to health facilities like the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Magaji noted insufficient capital allocation in the hospital’s budget, emphasizing the disparity between recurrent and capital expenditures that hinder effective healthcare service delivery.
