Essential Ndubuisi
Speakers at the just concluded annual physicians’ week of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA Awka zone, has asked governments at all levels in the country to formally declare state of emergency on the brain drain being witnessed in the health sector in the country by addressing the welfare needs of practitioners.
The 2022 Physicians’ Week had the theme: “Nigeria’s health care delivery system and the 2023 Democratic Transition: a time to change the narrative”.
Declaring the event opened, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike represented by the Director of public health in the ministry, Dr Afam Anaeme acknowledged that the poor remuneration of medical practitioners is one contributory factor leading to brain drain in the health sector but expressed optimism that better packages await health professionals in the state.
Dr Obidike reminded medical practitioners of their responsibility and oath of office which hinges on meeting the healthcare needs of the Nigerian population and called on them to shun any form of quackery.
Speaker after speaker at the event including Drs Chukwumuanya Igbo ekwu, Emmanuel Obina and Chioma Ajator, said government should declare state of emergency on brain drain and dwindling human resource in healthcare sector in the country.
They decried the current data that shows that only 24,000 doctors and physicians are caring for over 200 million people in the country and same number are left in poor working conditions and remuneration.
They posited the disadvantages of doctors’ migration to include reduction in human capital and economic growth and said this ugly trend requires urgent attention.
In their message, the Anambra State NMA Chairman, Dr Jane Ezeonu, and NMA Chairman, Awka zone, Dr Emmanuel Umenweke said medical practitioners should always be on top of their responsibility in the health care needs of the citizens, updating themselves in the face of emerging health threats in the system.
Earlier in a sermon during the dedication and thanksgiving service to round-off the weeklong activity, the Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, charged doctors to always look for God’s grace and guidance in their medical practice as God is the ultimate healer.
Later in their various interviews, Dr Eric Anazodo, Dr Cyprain Afunugo, and the chairman 2022 physician week planning committee, Dr Basil Dim, appreciated all those who contributed to make the activities of the week a success.
The weeklong event featured visit to the sick, the elderly and orphanage homes, career and health talks, novelty football match between medical doctors and catholic priests, award ceremony, dedication and thanksgiving service.
