Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), has argued that the only way to end the current migration of health workers from Nigeria into other countries in search of greener pastures, is by improving their welfare package and working environment.
MDCN Registrar, MDCN, Dr Fatima Kyari stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in Abia where she attended the induction ceremony of second batch of medical doctors of Gregory University, Uturu held at Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre Umuahia.
Kyari, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar and Head, Planning, Research and Statistics of MDCN, Dr Victor Kolawole, decried the grave implications of the exodus of medical professionals on the health sector, called for quick action to halt the trend.
She acknowledged that health workers in Nigeria “are well trained”, hence, the high demand for them abroad, but regretted that poor condition of service in the country, drive them into search for greener pasture abroad.
” Nigerian doctors are well trained, that’s why they are highly sought after abroad.
” But we are doing all we can to reverse their migration. That’s where our focus is – to ensure that the high quality of practitioners we produce in this country stay back to tackle the numerous health challenges of the citizens.
” Government needs to provide the enabling environment to ensure they remain here in the country. Nigeria is growing in population, and we need doctors and health care professionals to man the health care needs”.
Addressing the inductees earlier, the MDCN boss charged medical doctors to respect the ethics of the profession, and to deliver excellent service.
She also charged them to place the health and wellbeing of patients above other considerations.
“Be exceptional. Learn on the job, and don’t let your patient regret meeting you”.
In her address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Celestina Njoku, expressed joy that the institution had successfully graduated two sets medical doctors, describing the induction as a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey.
The VC charged the doctors to be devoted to their career and remain worthy ambassadors of the university.
“Medical practice is not just a career but a calling. It demands technical skill, knowledge, compassion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of others.
“You are now entrusted with the health and lives of your patients, and this responsibility is both a privilege and a duty”, the VC charged.
Speaking also, the Founder of Gregory University, Prof Gregory Ibe, congratulated the inductees for their resilience in completing their academic programme.
He restated the commitment of the institution to delivering highly skilled medical doctors that would make positive impacts in society.
Professor Ibe also charged the inductees to showcase the great values of the institution where ever they go.
He commended the National Universities Commission, NUC, and MDCN, as well as other relevant bodies for partnering with the institution.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, tasked the inductees on excellence, professionalism, and entrepreneurial capacity.
On his part, the Provost, Medical School, Prof Shadrach Offia, expressed confidence that the high skills and values inculcated in inductees, would propel them to excellence.
The Chancellor, Ikechukwu Gregory Ibe Jrn., said the institution produces medical doctors with passion and desire to make a difference, charging them to remain positive impacts makers.
In her valedictory speech, the best graduating doctor, Peace Shalom Ogaranya, expressed her gratitude to the institution, for giving them the quality training that enabled her to excell.
Dr Ogaranya promised to bring new innovations to the medical practice.
Meanwhile, a total of 26 doctors comprising seven males and 19 females were inducted during the ceremony.
Source: Vanguard
