Tinubu receives fellowship of WACP, seeks solutions to brain drain of medical experts

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lamented that exit of skilled medical professionals from the West African to advanced countries is limiting access to essential medical services, thereby increasing the workload on available personnel.

President Tinubu said this on Thursday while urging medical professionals to find solutions to the challenge of medical brain drain which he noted has continued to put considerable pressure on healthcare systems in the subregion.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy said Tinubu raised the challenge on Thursday, shortly after taking the oath as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), at the State House, Abuja.

The President urged the College leadership to use their forthcoming conference to develop practical, sustainable solutions to the persistent challenge of medical brain drain 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,” the President said.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to championing comprehensive health sector reforms to make healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable, and efficient for all Nigerians.

He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammad Ali Pate, for driving the country’s health sector reforms.

“We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Ali Pate, who has been doing a very good job.

President Tinubu acknowledged medical professionals’ commitment and outstanding contributions to humanity through medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions, and building resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging and existing health challenges.

He thanked the college leadership for considering him worthy of the honour.

The President was conferred with a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians by the Council of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), in recognition of his contributions and commitment to strengthening health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.

According to the College President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, the College selects and awards the fellowship to the best-performing President in 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,” he said.

West African College of Physicians (WACP),.

Dankyau said the college has awarded the fellowship only eight times in its fifty-year history, first to former President Dawda Jawara of The Gambia, and that only General Ibrahim Babangida received it as former Head of State of Nigeria in 1991.

“So, this is the second time we are coming back to Nigeria to present to you, Mr President. The Council has noted your significant contributions to health infrastructure, improved access to care and emergency care, and massive investments in primary health care and universal health coverage.

“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 meeting was attended by the 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.