President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged medical professionals across West Africa to develop sustainable solutions to the growing challenge of healthcare workers migrating to other countries, warning that the trend continues to place pressure on healthcare systems across the region.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after being conferred with a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP).
The President urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical strategies for addressing medical brain drain and strengthening healthcare delivery across the sub-region.
He noted that the departure of skilled medical professionals had increased the workload of available personnel and limited access to essential healthcare services.
“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.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare reforms aimed at making medical services more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
The President also commended medical professionals for their contributions to medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging public health threats.
Tinubu thanked the college’s leadership for considering him worthy of the honour.
The fellowship was conferred on the President by the council of the West African College of Physicians in recognition of his administration’s efforts towards healthcare reform and medical development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of WACP and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the college reserved the distinction for leaders whose contributions had made a significant impact on healthcare delivery across West Africa.
“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in healthcare delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” Ka said.
The Secretary-General of WACP, Professor Musa Dankyau, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said the decision to honour Tinubu reflected the college’s recognition of his administration’s healthcare reform initiatives.
Dankyau disclosed that the fellowship had been awarded only eight times in the college’s 50-year history.
He said former Gambian President Dawda Jawara was the first recipient, while former Nigerian military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the distinction in 1991.
According to Dankyau, investments in Nigeria’s health sector and progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness were among the factors considered by the college.
He also referred to the government’s preparedness measures following concerns over Ebola, saying the developments had helped reassure medical professionals about Nigeria’s response capacity.
The ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the President’s Special Adviser on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.
The award comes amid continuing concerns across West Africa over the migration of doctors and other healthcare professionals, with stakeholders calling for improved working conditions, stronger healthcare infrastructure and better incentives to retain skilled personnel.
