How Government Policies Can Reduce Avoidable Deaths

Nigerians are presently confronted by challenges some of which are not only daunting but also life-threatening. The hardship posed by the seemingly intractable political, social and economic situation in the country is tough enough. But one issue that is compounding the scenario is the spectre of avoidable death. Nigerians face the challenges related to epidemics, maternal and child mortality, and overall health system collapse not to mention others that have to do with policy failure.

It may be convenient to posit that these perceptibly avoidable deaths occur due to the failure to do the right thing or adhere to regulations and rules or, in most cases, the violation of these regulations and rules by the victims themselves or their collaborators.  But, that, in our view, is not the whole story even with figures on display by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which claim that 1,772 were killed in road crashes in the last quarter of 2013 alone.

Official record insists that the most common forms of avoidable deaths in Nigeria include, but not limited to road crashes, gas explosions, tanker explosions, wrong medications, and treatments in our hospitals. These incidents have become a source of concern for Nigerians, as they have claimed numerous lives and left many others with lifelong injuries and disabilities. It is important also to interrogate policies that undergird activities in those areas especially their implementation.

As a newspaper, we assume that the major causes of road crashes in Nigeria are bad condition of the roads themselves, over speeding, reckless driving, overloading, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These behaviors are often exhibited by drivers who flout traffic rules and regulations with impunity, endangering other road users’ lives. We also point out that there are agencies of government that are mandated to check these identified excesses. Are they alive to their duty?

Joining this dangerous mix are the incidences of gas and tanker explosions that are claiming several lives and destroying properties worth millions of naira. They occur, ostensibly, due to the failure to adhere to safety regulations and rules by gas plant operators and tanker drivers. In most cases, these operators and drivers collude with regulatory agencies to disregard safety rules, thereby putting the lives of Nigerians at risk. This is the elephant in the room.

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However, we have cause to be worried about the recent ugly incidents of road crashes in Kogi and Enugu, gas and tanker explosions in Ogun and Rivers where several lives were lost.  An auto crash on the Okene-Lokoja highway in Kogi State claimed 19 lives. The victims were burnt beyond recognition.

In the case of the Port Harcourt tanker explosion, five deaths were recorded, and 120 vehicles were burnt. While in Enugu, 16 travellers lost their lives in a single auto crash. The unfortunate thing about these avoidable deaths is that they could have been prevented if regulations and rules were strictly adhered to by both the regulator and the regulated.

For instance, if government make the roads good and safe, drivers adhere to speed limits, avoid overloading, abstain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and traffic officers insist on doing the right things, probably road crashes would be significantly reduced. Similarly, if gas plant operators and tanker drivers adhere to safety regulations and rules that are strictly enforced, gas and tanker explosions would be a thing of the past.

In the health sector, for instance, approximately 170 million Nigerians lack health insurance coverage. The few that are covered feel scammed by the poor quality of service they receive. This is worrisome considering the current economic hardship in the country, and the attendant high prices of drugs and other medical consumables.

Therefore, there is an urgent need for the government to enforce regulations and rules in the health, transport, and energy sectors. Regulatory agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) should be adequately funded and empowered to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Even more importantly, their operatives must apply themselves diligently to the jobs they are employed to do.

Reducing avoidable deaths in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that addresses various factors contributing to these fatalities. The government can consider investing in healthcare infrastructure, facilities, and personnel. Enhance access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural areas. And the concerned agencies promote health education and preventive measures.

In the area of road safety, deliberate efforts must be made towards implementing and enforcing traffic laws rigorously. There should also be reasonable improvement in road infrastructure, including maintenance and repair. Investment in emergency response systems for accidents must also be considered.

What is more, the government should ensure strict enforcement of safety regulations for gas stations and tankers. There should be more public awareness on gas safety precautions. The transportation of hazardous materials must be monitored and controlled.

Nigerians need to be enlightened on the need to adhere to regulations and rules to reduce the incidence of avoidable deaths in the country. We are persuaded to argue that if government, at all levels, and their officials make the right policies, programmes and implement them as they should, much more would be achieved in the effort to reduce avoidable deaths in the society.