Government at all levels have been told to ensure they provide good health care services to the people, as health workers and others who care for the sick are urged to carry out their duties diligently. The charge was given by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, during the celebration of the 33rd World Day of the Sick 2025, organised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos Health Department in collaboration with the Catholic Nurses Guild, held recently at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.
According to Archbishop Martins, only about five percent of the budget allocation of the country is allotted to the health care sector, which does not amount to much when interpreted in monetary terms. He said: “We can see what that means in naira and kobo, whatever it means. We know that some things are being done, but a lot more needs to be done. “That is why on a day like this, when we pray for the sick, we also call upon those who have responsibility to provide for their welfare to do their work.” He reminded the people of Jesus’ encounters with the sick in different circumstances and places, adding that people brought the sick and lay them by the road for Jesus to touch them or His shadow fall on them to be restored to health.
The Archbishop prayed for the sick, as well as all who provide care and support for them, asking God to help them to persevere in their vocation and caring for the sick. “By the grace of God, you have been endowed with the knowledge of how to take care of the sick. That knowledge is a gift of God. Please use the gift to bring help to the sick and to give glory to the name of God, He who is the healer of all our infirmities”, he urged. Fr. Panachy Ogbede, Chaplain, Catholic Nurses Guild, Lagos Archdiocese thanked health workers for the services they render, stating that it takes the heart of love to transform the odour of death and sickness to a fragrance that attracts.
He urged the professionals to remain strong, and never cut themselves away from Christ, the source who heals the sick through them, asking them to ensure that God’s grace accompanies them always. Sr. Theresa Maris Afareha EHJ, Archdiocesan Health Coordinator, thanked God for the gift of the day, as well as Archbishop Martins and all priests, religious, health workers and lay faithful present on the occasion. She harped on the message of hope passed by the Archbishop and Pope Francis, urging the health workers to be beacons of hope to their patients, clients and family members, as she prayed for God’s continual guidance and blessings on the people.
