THE Nigerian health sector is reminiscent of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" – the famous play that depicts and explores the utter meaninglessness of life. In a playback of its repetitive plot, the play theatrically implies that in life, everything that is possible will happen. In one unending scene, the actors talk about life, the world, and everything else that occurs from cradle to grave. They talk, they wait, they anticipate. But they fail to do the most important thing – act.
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To the casual observer, there is calm. There is an impression that all is well and that everything is on course. But to the more discerning, the lack of action and activity is a false calm – a façade. It is an indication that all is not well. In reality, underneath the apparent calm, unmitigated chaos is raging.
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Nigerians asked for independence. They worked for it, prayed for it and waited for it, and it came on a platter of gold. Yet the people did not stop waiting.
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They continue to wait... and wait... and wait – for "something" to happen. But "nothing" has happened, not because it isn't meant to happen, but more because nobody is making it happen. This depicts the state of affairs of the health sector today.