4-point agenda in health sector to address manpower challenge – Minister

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, on Thursday said the ministry’s four-point agenda would address the sector’s manpower challenge and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.

Pate stated this at the 41st Annual convocation of National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Ijanikin, Lagos.

He was represented by Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

He said that the four-point agenda would also provide effective health and human services.

The minister said that the programme would improve the quality of governance and management of hospitals by assessing the leadership qualities of teaching hospitals in strengthening the regulatory capacity of the institutions.

“Improve population health outcomes and medical care, so that diseases such as diphtheria, measles, vaccine preventable diseases, maternal and child health will be prioritised.

“Unlock the healthcare value chain with a focus on medical industrialization, so that Nigeria can be self sustaining in producing medical supplies.

“Invest more resources to ensure that the Nation’s public healthcare capabilities are strengthened to be able to respond to outbreaks early, before they get out of hand,” he said.

Pate said that the blueprint would chart a way forward to achieve a healthy population that would help harness the potential of the young and aged populations.

“The students and scholars who will be receiving degrees, awards and prizes today, are Nigeria’s investment capital, for building a better future.

“You have been equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to spearhead improvement in the Nigeria’s health system.

“In order words, you are a symbol of Nigeria’s aspirations to stand shoulder to shoulder with the giants globally,” he said.

Pate said that the commitment of the Federal Government is to reposition Nigeria’s healthcare system towards improving the health of all Nigerians.

Prof. Akin Osibogun, the President, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, called for a synergy among stakeholders to help address the medical manpower needs of the country.

Osibogun said that the collaboration would embrace the challenges ahead with courage and determination, adding that it would create a healthier nation and a brighter tomorrow.

“We recognise 413 medical and dental specialists from 15 faculties, who have fulfilled all training requirements for the award of the fellowship by examination, who are convocating today.

“Also 92 graduates of our postgraduate MD programme and six postgraduate diplomat Ed in Anaesthesia and 73 diplomat in family medicine.

“I implore you all to continue to represent the college well in which ever position you find yourself and be worthy ambassadors of the college, both in character and in learning,” he said.

It was reported that some medical professionals were given distinguished Fellowship Awards such as: Prof. Adewale Akinsola, a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Nephrologist and foundation provost of Bowen University College of Health Sciences, Osogbo.

Dr Benedictus Ajayi, a former President, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) and Chief Medical Director, Elena Eye Institute, Ibadan.

Dr Akintola Ladeinde, a Professor and Consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital.