The Nigerian Chapter of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) has expressed deep concern over the persistent gaps plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare system, warning that urgent reforms are necessary to avert further deterioration in public health outcomes.
Speaking at a media briefing in Kano on Saturday, following the conclusion of the College’s 49th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, the National Chairman of WACP, Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu, called for immediate government action on multiple fronts — including lifestyle disease prevention, equitable healthcare access, and early cancer detection.
Professor Uzochukwu, who is also a professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, noted that the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), a flagship federal initiative meant to strengthen primary healthcare, is yet to fully benefit all health facilities across the country.
“Access to the BHCPF remains limited in many parts of the country, and this undermines efforts to improve service delivery.
We call on the Federal Government to ensure the timely and equitable disbursement of the fund, while state and local governments must fulfill their counterpart funding obligations,” he said.
He also decried the rising burden of cancer nationwide, pointing out that delayed detection continues to claim lives, particularly in underserved communities.
He stressed the need for affordable, community-based cancer screening programmes, saying early diagnosis remains the most effective way to save lives.
Beyond cancer, the WACP boss linked most of the common illnesses affecting Nigerians to poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, sedentary living, excessive alcohol intake, and unhealthy diets.
He called for the integration of lifestyle education into all levels of healthcare delivery and medical training curricula.
“Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals — including those in postgraduate programmes — must be trained to address the root causes of non-communicable diseases through preventive strategies,” Uzochukwu added.
The College also advocated stronger collaboration between the health sector and related fields such as education, agriculture, and the environment to tackle the broader social determinants of health.
As part of its conference activities, WACP conducted a large-scale outreach in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State. Over 3,000 patients received free medical care, surgical treatment, and screenings for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The College also trained healthcare workers on newborn resuscitation in response to Nigeria’s troubling rate of neonatal deaths.
In total, 3,118 patients were treated during the outreach, with several referred for further medical attention.
Professor Uzochukwu reaffirmed the College’s commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes in Nigeria, promising to sustain advocacy, professional development, and policy engagement as core tools for systemic change.
“The Nigerian Chapter of WACP remains steadfast in its mission to promote quality healthcare and contribute meaningfully to the development of public health across the region,” he said.
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