PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has urged medical professionals to develop practical solutions to medical brain drain across West Africa, warning that the migration of skilled personnel continues to strain healthcare systems.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday after taking the oath as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) at the State House, Abuja.
He urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the persistent challenge of medical brain drain across the sub-region.
“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections.
“So, I wish you the best. I will continue to do whatever I can do for this honourable profession,” the President said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, for driving the country’s health sector reforms.
“We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” he said.
The President acknowledged medical professionals’ contributions to humanity through research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and efforts to build resilient healthcare systems.
He thanked the college’s leadership for considering him worthy of the prestigious honour.
The WACP Council conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of his contributions to health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for presidents whose contributions had significantly improved healthcare delivery across the sub-region.
“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in health care delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” he said.
Prof. Musa Dankyau, WACP Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation, said the award reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to far-reaching health sector reforms.
Dankyau said the college had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history, beginning with former Gambian President Dawda Jawara.
He said former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.
“So, this is the second time we are coming back to Nigeria to present to you, Mr President.
“The Council has noted your significant contributions to health infrastructure, improved access to care and emergency care, and massive investments in primary health care and universal health coverage.
“At the last count, more than 2.2 billion dollars had been invested in that area for the health of the Nigerian people.
“We’ve also seen significant strides in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness,” Dankyau said.
The WACP also informed Tinubu of its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled for Oct. 26 to 28 in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Pate; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, among others. (NAN)
