The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said that the Federal Government would prioritise the training and development of medical super-specialists across various disciplines in the country.
He said that the government would also address the infrastructural issues of the National Post-graduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) and the creation of well-equipped simulation centres. He pledged continued support for initiatives that would bridge the gap between education and healthcare in the country.
Speaking, yesterday, at the investiture of Dr. Peter Ndidi Ebeigbe, as the 23rd President of the NPMCN, the minister said the landscape of healthcare was evolving rapidly, and with it, “the demand for specialised medical care is on the increase.”
He said the population’s health needs were becoming increasingly complex, necessitating a cadre of highly- skilled specialists, who could address these challenges with proficiency and precision.
The minister said to meet these demands, “it is imperative that the country should prioritise the training and development of medical super-specialists across various disciplines.”
“By investing in advanced training programs and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, we can ensure that our healthcare system remains at the forefront of medical excellence,” he said. Alausa stressed the need for research,saying to expand the pool of specialists, Nigeria must also harness and leverage on the power of technology.
“Additionally, we must tap into the wealth of expertise within the Nigerian specialists in diaspora. Many talented medical professionals from Nigeria have excelled in their respective fields abroad, and their knowledge and experience are invaluable assets to our healthcare system,” he said.
Ebeigbe, in his inaugural address, focused on the impact of brain drain on the country, warning that economic interventions are urgently needed to stem it and prevent a collapse of the health system.
He revealed that the number of candidates registering for their examinations has crashed due to the exodus of many resident doctors to other countries.
Ebeigbe urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene with deliberate measures that would keep the necessary personnel back home so that the massive investment of resources would not end up being a waste.
