The Nigerian government recently announced a monthly palliative of N8,000 for 12 million households to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy. The move has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some hailing it as a step in the right direction while others have criticized it as inadequate.
President Bola Tinubu, who proposed the palliative, said it was aimed at reducing the hardship faced by poor Nigerians. However, critics have argued that N8,000 is not enough to cover the basic needs of a household, especially considering the rising cost of living in the country. Some have also expressed concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the distribution process.
Understanding Palliative Care
Palliative care is a specialized medical care that aims to improve the quality of life of people with serious illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a holistic approach that focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family.
Palliative care is not just for end-of-life care. It can be provided at any stage of the illness, from diagnosis to treatment to end-of-life care. The goal of palliative care is to provide relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, and to help patients and their families cope with the stress and anxiety of the illness.
Palliative care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. The team works together to provide a personalized care plan that meets the unique needs of the patient and their family.
One of the key components of palliative care is communication. The team works closely with the patient and their family to understand their goals, values, and preferences, and to provide education and support throughout the illness.
Palliative care is not a substitute for other medical treatments. It is provided in conjunction with other medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. It is also not the same as hospice care, which is a type of palliative care that is provided to patients who are nearing the end of their life.
In Nigeria, there is a need for more education and capacity building in palliative care. Currently, only two institutions integrate palliative care into the undergraduate medical curriculum, and there is no post-graduate training available. However, there are organizations such as the Nigerian Palliative Care Association (NPCA) that are working to improve access to palliative care for Nigerians.
The 8000 Palliative Initiative for Nigerians
The Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed an N8,000 monthly palliative for 12 million poor Nigerian households to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy. The initiative has received mixed reactions from various groups.
The Campaign for Equal Rights and Opportunities for all Nigerians (CERON) has described the proposed N8,000 monthly palliative as a mockery of poor Nigerians. The group believes that the amount is not enough to alleviate the suffering of the poor masses, especially in the face of the increasing cost of living.
On the other hand, Owukpa Advocacy Forum (OAF) has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his move to disburse N8,000 as palliative measures to Nigerians. The group believes that the initiative will go a long way in reducing the hardship being faced by the masses.
However, a group, the Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NENYLC), has described the planned Federal Government N8,000 palliative as a failed policy. The group believes that the initiative is not sustainable and will only provide temporary relief to the masses.
Despite the mixed reactions, the government has continued with the initiative, which is aimed at reducing the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on the poor masses. The palliative is expected to provide some relief to the poor and vulnerable households in the country.
Overall, the success of the initiative will depend on the effective implementation and management of the funds. The government must ensure that the funds are disbursed to the right beneficiaries and that the initiative is sustainable in the long run.
Implementation of the Initiative
The implementation of the N8,000 palliative initiative by the Federal Government of Nigeria is a multi-faceted process that involves funding, distribution, monitoring, and evaluation.
Funding
The initiative is funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. The funds are disbursed to the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) for onward disbursement to the beneficiaries. The funding for the initiative is drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Distribution
The distribution of the palliative is carried out through a digital payment system using the Bank Verification Number (BVN) of the beneficiaries. The payment is made directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. The selection of beneficiaries is carried out through a process that involves the identification of the poor and vulnerable in the society.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The monitoring and evaluation of the initiative is carried out by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. The monitoring and evaluation process is aimed at ensuring that the palliatives are delivered to the intended beneficiaries and that the initiative achieves its objectives. The monitoring and evaluation process also involves the collection of data on the impact of the initiative on the beneficiaries.
In conclusion, the implementation of the N8,000 palliative initiative by the Federal Government of Nigeria is a well-structured process that involves funding, distribution, monitoring, and evaluation. The initiative is aimed at providing support to the poor and vulnerable in the society, and the government is committed to ensuring that the initiative achieves its objectives.
Impact on Nigerians
The proposed N8,000 monthly palliative for 12 million poor Nigerian households has generated mixed reactions from different quarters. While some believe it is a step in the right direction, others think it is not enough to alleviate the suffering of the masses. This section will examine the potential impact of the palliative on Nigerians, with a focus on healthcare improvement, economic influence, and social effects.
Healthcare Improvement
One of the potential benefits of the proposed palliative is the improvement of healthcare in Nigeria. With more funds available for healthcare, the government can invest in better facilities, equipment, and personnel. This could lead to better access to healthcare for the poor, resulting in improved health outcomes. However, this will only be possible if the funds are properly managed and channeled towards healthcare.
Economic Influence
The proposed palliative could also have a positive economic impact on Nigerians. With more funds available to the poor, they can use the money to start small businesses or invest in existing ones. This could lead to job creation and economic growth. However, there is a risk that the funds could be mismanaged or used for other purposes, which could lead to inflation and further economic instability.
Social Effects
The proposed palliative could also have significant social effects on Nigerians. With more funds available to the poor, they can afford to provide for their basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. This could lead to a reduction in poverty and an improvement in the standard of living. However, there is a risk that the funds could be distributed unfairly or used to promote political interests, which could lead to social unrest and instability.
In conclusion, the proposed N8,000 monthly palliative for 12 million poor Nigerian households could have significant impacts on healthcare, the economy, and society. However, these impacts will only be possible if the funds are properly managed and channeled towards their intended purposes.
Challenges and Solutions
Identified Challenges
The N8,000 monthly palliative provided by the Nigerian government has been deemed insufficient by many Nigerians. The government’s efforts to provide relief to its citizens have not been enough to alleviate the poverty and economic challenges faced by the country. The inflation rate of 22.22% has further worsened the situation, making it difficult for people to afford basic necessities.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness and education about palliative care in Nigeria. Palliative care is a specialized medical care that is focused on providing relief to patients with serious illnesses. It is a crucial aspect of healthcare that can improve the quality of life of patients and their families. However, there is a lack of awareness and education about palliative care in Nigeria, which limits its availability and accessibility.
Additionally, there is a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in palliative care. The number of trained palliative care professionals in Nigeria is insufficient to meet the growing demand for palliative care services. This shortage of healthcare professionals limits the availability of palliative care services in the country.
Proposed Solutions
To address the challenges facing palliative care in Nigeria, there is a need for increased funding and investment in the healthcare sector. The government should allocate more resources towards the development and implementation of palliative care programs in the country. This will help to improve the quality of care provided to patients and their families.
Another solution is to increase awareness and education about palliative care in Nigeria. This can be achieved through public health campaigns and educational programs targeted at healthcare professionals and the general public. Increased awareness and education will help to improve the availability and accessibility of palliative care services in the country.
Furthermore, there is a need to train more healthcare professionals in palliative care. This can be achieved through the development of specialized training programs and courses. The government and other stakeholders can also provide incentives and support to healthcare professionals who specialize in palliative care.
In conclusion, the challenges facing palliative care in Nigeria can be addressed through increased funding and investment, increased awareness and education, and the training of more healthcare professionals in palliative care. These solutions will help to improve the quality of life of patients and their families, and ensure that palliative care services are available and accessible to all those who need them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed N8,000 monthly palliative for 12 million poor Nigerian households has been met with mixed reactions from various quarters. While some believe that it is a step in the right direction, others argue that it is not enough to alleviate the poverty that plagues the country.
The Campaign for Equal Rights and Opportunities for all Nigerians (CERON) has described the proposed palliative as a mockery of poor Nigerians, stating that it is not enough to cater to the needs of the 12 million households. Similarly, the Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NENYLC) has described the policy as a failed one.
Despite these criticisms, the government has defended the policy, stating that it is a temporary measure to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy. However, it remains to be seen whether the policy will achieve its intended goal.
It is important to note that poverty is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. While a monthly palliative may provide temporary relief for some households, it is not a long-term solution. The government needs to implement policies that will create jobs, improve the economy, and reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.
In conclusion, it is imperative that the government listens to the concerns of the people and takes proactive steps to address the issue of poverty in the country. Only then can Nigeria truly become a prosperous and thriving nation.
Thanks
Palliative
Mr governor I am Muslim beside my tribe is kanuri my local government is mafa I want to be a costom but I don’t have enough money than I be because for biddance help me Mr governor I don’t have any family only you this is my comment