Former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Osita Chidoka, on Sunday, July 7, 2024, expressed worries over escalating prices of things in the country, saying he spent the sum of N406,395 to run tests during his annual medical check-up.
Chidoka, who became the FRSC boss in 2007, disclosed this on his verified X handle, while adding that what he spent this year on tests alone doubled what he spent in 2022 and 30% higher than that of 2023.
According to him, he went for his annual check-up and did tests at his regular laboratory where he had been a customer for 16 years, adding that this year, he paid the sum of N406,395 to run all the tests.
(Caption): Osita Chidoka, ex-FRSC boss.
He described the situation as tough, saying he wondered how indigent hospital patients are coping with the high prices of drugs, tests and other charges.
Displaying the receipt as well as the breakdown of the tests he did at the laboratory, Chidoka admitted that "times are tough, very tough."
He wrote: "This year, I paid N406,395 to run all the tests. This was about double the 2022 price and about 30% more than 2023. Disturbing. I love to look at data, and here is my quick take
"In 2021, the price was about N235,000 at the exchange rate of N420 it was $559 then. Today at N406,395 at N1,500 exchange rate, it is $270. The real price has halved in dollar terms.
"We need new thinking, a new approach and a rethinking of financing and investment in the health sector."
Below is the screenshot of his post on the issue: