ADDIS ABABA- Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed stressed that the health sector has been top on the government’s agenda as he addressed concerns raised by health practitioners in a national conference held at his office yesterday.
Practitioners raised a number of issues ranging from policy revision, poor governance, non-uniformity in law implementation, the inadequacy of facilities and equipment to benefit packages which they described as far below from expectations.
The premier who rather opts for showing the bigger national picture said: “The new administration has primarily brought hope and optimism.”
He furthered that the national coffer was at risk to the extent of public wage deficit of 20 billion Birr.
Matured debts had not been paid properly for 12 and 13 years and the country was in the list of the high risk of debt distress, he added. “Now commercial debt of the country that had reached between 30 and 40 percent have been turned into concessional debt.”
“We were supposed to pay 400- 500 million USD annually to creditors. But as a result of the diplomatic achievements, the amount reduced to nearly 100 million USD annually.”
He also said so far the government engaged in an economic big push and now focuses on setting a clear road map to determine its destinations.
No matter what the country’s situation might be, he said, health practitioners should prioritize rendering their noble services, he said, pointing out government’s decisions to ensure quality in the sector.
Medical procurement that used to take months has been trimmed to less than 15 days, Ethiopian Food, Medicine & Health Care Administration & Control Authority (FMHACA) adjusted to regulating products, he said.
A bill ratified in 2009 restructured and mandated Food and Drug Administration (EFDA) to regulate “the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines,” it was learnt.
Another decision taken to tackle the supply of equipment is a strong Public Private Partnership, he said, noting that private firms can now participate in supplying drugs and other areas to hospitals. He specifically mentioned that firms that may engage in drug supply, laundry services…are permitted to support Black Lion Hospital.
Responding to a scarcity of community pharmacy, the premier said the government ratified finance to the procurement of around 50 condominium apartments slated for the same purpose, not to mention 4,200 houses constructed for the use of physicians who are on duties at health centers.
He also indicated as the annual hard currency that goes to procurement essential drugs is raised to 130 million USD from 30 million USD last year.
The government has relieved physicians from taxes on income they get from extra hour services, which, if collected, could be estimated to hit 70 million Birr, according to him.
“Most of the concerns you raised here have already been addressed but I can see that there is a communication breakdown,” he said, adding: “Other concerns including dual practice [where a physician holds jobs at public system and privately], risk allowance [payment to hazardous jobs], and issues of teaching-hospitals would be tackled in the medium and long terms.”
Teaching hospitals are under the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health claims as the institutions ought to transfer to its holdings. Instructors working in the hospitals raise concerns regarding payment as they are considered as teachers only while they are medical practitioners at the same time.
Asked why most public officials choose to leave for medical tourism in other countries, the premier underscored that “public officials’ health is a matter of national security as well and our medical history is better kept at home.”
Hence, the Addis Ababa City Administration has granted land at six locations and three of them are under construction. “Together with the city’s beautifying project, the health facilities are sure to offer a hub of medical tourism in our region.”
The premier also urged participants to aware the public in family care and planning issues. He said the youth makes up 70 percent of the country’s population, and the country may not bear more population pressure.
Meanwhile, the premier called on the practitioners to mind their noble business of offering quality health services consciously avoiding those who attempt to manipulate them. “Benevolence and volunteerism must be at the hearth of your practices. No payment and benefits package can compensate your services.”
The Ethiopian Herald May 04/ 2011
BY WORKU BELACHEW
