President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked medical experts across West Africa with developing practical solutions to the growing challenge of medical brain drain, warning that the migration of skilled health professionals continues to put pressure on healthcare systems across the sub-region.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after taking the oath as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP).
The President urged the College’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the persistent migration of medical professionals from the region.
He noted that the shortage of skilled personnel limits access to essential medical services and increases the workload of healthcare workers who remain in the 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. As I pledge to behave myself, I will continue to do whatever I can do for this honourable profession,” the President said.
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Healthcare Reforms
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
He also acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to humanity through medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to existing and emerging health challenges.
The President thanked the College’s leadership for considering him worthy of the honour.
The Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians was conferred on Tinubu by the College’s Council in recognition of his contributions and commitment to strengthening healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
WACP Explains Fellowship Award
The President of the College and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship is awarded to presidents who have demonstrated outstanding performance in 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.
Professor Musa Dankyau, Secretary-General of the WACP and spokesperson for the delegation, said the decision to honour Tinubu reflected his administration’s commitment to implementing far-reaching health sector reforms.
Dankyau disclosed that the College had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history. He said former Gambian President Dawda Jawara was the first recipient, while former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.
“At the last count, over $2.2 billion 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. Just a couple of days back, the health minister had also announced that we are ready and prepared to face Ebola. And so, we were able to reassure our colleagues,” Dankyau said.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.
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