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President Bola Tinubu was inducted Thursday as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), using the occasion to urge medical professionals to find solutions to the region’s medical brain drain.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu said the migration of skilled health workers abroad continues to strain healthcare systems in West Africa, limiting access to essential services and increasing the workload on available personnel.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
The president urged the college’s leadership to use its upcoming conference to develop practical, sustainable solutions to the brain drain challenge.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms.
The fellowship was conferred by the WACP Council in recognition of Tinubu’s commitment to health sector reforms.
College President Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka said the award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in healthcare delivery and affected the health of West African people.
WACP Secretary-General Prof. Musa Dankyau noted that the fellowship has been awarded only eight times in the college’s 50-year history, with former Gambian President Dawda Jawara being the first recipient, and former Nigerian military ruler Ibrahim Babangida receiving 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.
