By: Odeh Favour
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged medical professionals across West Africa to find sustainable solutions to the persistent challenge of medical brain drain, noting that the ongoing migration of skilled personnel continues to exert considerable pressure on healthcare systems in the sub-region.
Taking to his official X handle, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed details of the event in a State House press release.
Speaking on Thursday shortly after taking the oath as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu warned that the exodus of medical practitioners limits access to essential healthcare services while increasing the burden on remaining health personnel.
He urged the leadership of the College to utilize their forthcoming conference to develop practical, long-term strategies to curb the trend across West Africa.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to championing comprehensive health sector reforms designed to make healthcare delivery accessible, affordable, and efficient for all Nigerians.
He commended medical practitioners for their dedication through medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions, and the establishment of resilient health systems.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the WACP for considering him worthy of the prestigious honor.
According to the College President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Mamadou Mourtala Ka, the Fellowship is conferred only on high-performing leaders who have made significant impacts on 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,” Dr. Ka stated.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Secretary-General of WACP, Professor Musa Dankyau, revealed that the decision to honor President Tinubu reflects his administration’s commitment to far-reaching health sector reforms.
Professor Dankyau noted that the College has awarded the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history, first to former President Dawda Jawara of The Gambia, with former Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida being the only other Nigerian leader to receive it 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 conferment ceremony was attended by top government officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. 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.
