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Data compiled by an economist from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, Steve Hanke, has shown that Nigerians are the sixth most miserable people in the world.
The misery index was calculated using economic indices including unemployment, inflation and bank lending rates.
For Nigeria, the unemployment rate was the major contributing factor.
“The original Misery Index was just a simple sum of a nation’s annual inflation rate and its unemployment rate. The Index has been modified several times, first by Robert Barro of Harvard and then by myself,” Hanke, the economist who compiled the list, said.
“My modified Misery Index is the sum of the unemployment, inflation and bank lending rates, minus the percentage change in real GDP per capita. Higher readings on the first three elements are “bad” and make people more miserable.
“These are offset by a “good” (GDP per capita growth), which is subtracted from the sum of the “bads.” A higher Misery Index score reflects a higher level of “misery,” and it’s a simple enough metric that a busy president, without time for extensive economic briefings, can understand at a glance.”
Misery Index
Venezuela, Argentina and Iran, the countries which topped the index, had high inflation rates as the major contributing factors.
In total, three African countries, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt, fell between the top 10 most miserable countries.
Wrong Blood Infusion: Lagos shuts down hospital where twin girl died
The Lagos State Government has shut down HJ CLAIROOWEN medical centre where 15-month-old twin girl, Taiye, died during blood transfusion.
Last Tuesday, the story of Taiye, a twin girl, who was referred to the clinic by a paediatrician at Igando General Hospital Dr. Joy last Sunday evening March 24th.
According to the parents of the deceased, Dr. Joy had stated she was in need of blood and Oxygen immediately she saw them at the General Hospital, adding that there was no bed space and so, she would refer them to HJ CLAIROOWEN, which turned out to be her private clinic.
Aside the controversy surrounding the referral, there are allegations that blood was infused in the baby without screening and negligence against Dr. Joy and her clinic.
Confirming the closure of the clinic, the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Adeola Salako, said the state government will investigate the matter and come out with its findings.
“For the purpose of clarity, it is important to mention that safety of lives and the wellbeing of citizens is of utmost importance to the Lagos State Government and as such the avoidable death of the 15-month-old baby, Taiwo Adetunji is regrettable. We commiserate with the bereaved family and pray that God will comfort and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
“Since the report of the unfortunate incidence, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris has ordered investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of the child as well as allegations of patients poaching by doctors from general hospitals to their private clinics.
“It is also worthy to note that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has shut the private hospital – HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre and Maternity where the child died and investigations are on-going on the operations of the facility whose documents showed that it has not been registered with HEFAMAA or certified for the purpose of health care delivery.
“The ministry will make known its findings in due course and mete out appropriate sanctions to anyone found culpable in the unfortunate incident. We would like to assure citizens of our resolve to continuously address the issue of patient poaching and ensure that residents have unfettered access to quality health care service without exploitation.
“As a government, the wellbeing of citizens is of utmost importance to us and this is the main thrust of our social contract with the people. The Lagos State Government is a responsible and responsive government and we will not rest on our oars to ensure that justice, in this case, is served without let or hindrances.”
