Doctors say fuel subsidy is “poison”

Nigerian doctors have faulted federal government's reasons for proposing to remove fuel subsidy, calling it an admission of failure that government could not break the cartel supposed to be benefiting from continued subsidy on petroleum products. At a press conference today, the Nigerian Medical Association president, Dr Omede Idris said the whole subsidy matter is encapsulated and shrouded in fraud, which government is shying away from addressing. The association accused federal government of instead seeking to withdraw from funding the fraud by the untouchables in the society and passing the responsibility to the already impoverished and traumatised Nigerians. The association has called fuel subsidy a poison ivy” that must be rejected until economic slavery is achieved. It said fuel subsidy removal would especially impact poor populations with no safety nets such as social health insurance. No stable economy and good health
This is NMA’s most recent reaction yet to developments in the outgoing year which the association said have taken place in the absence of a stable economy and good health for the citizens.
It has formally stated its reactions on the budget, siting of trauma centres and the passage of an act prohibiting same-sex unions. It also called on government to “sincerely and honestly” address health, agriculture, tourism, transport, roads and education as a means of genuine economic development instead of political benefits.
The association faulted the provision of N282.7 billion in 2012 budget presented last week to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan for falling short of 15% recommended by the Abuja Declaration of 2001.
It said the shortfall, some 5.9%, would affect the output of health ministries, agencies and departments.
The consequence is that medical and health personnel, providers and supportive personnel will continue to receive the brunt of the public for not meeting their needs and demands,” the association said.
Speaking about federal government proposal to site one trauma centre in each geopolitical zone, Idris said the siting should be devoid of politics but based “purely on accident flashpoints and level of trauma.”
Meanwhile, the association backed the Senate’s passage of an act prohibiting same sex unions, which it said was morally, culturally and religiously “completely alien.
NMA added that the norms against it were “sufficient reasons for legislating against it.
It also said there were medical complications association with a homosexual lifestyle, but did not go into details.
Without prejudice to fundamental human rights, we believe our senses should guide us and every decision that touches on the sensibility of majority of people.