By Fasilat Lawal
Federal Government will continue to consolidate its infrastructure drive in the quest to reposition the health sector.
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire expressed the resolve while inaugurating some projects at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
The projects included One In-Patient Mammogram Machine, One Out- Patient Mammogram Machine, a 64 Slice CT Machine, a state-of-the-art and fully equipped Molecular Laboratory, Nurse Tutors Practical Demonstration Building, other were Pressure Swing Absorption Oxygen Plant and two Autoclave Sterilizer.
Dr Ehanire explained that the 64 Slice CT Scanner would greatly enhance the hospital radio-diagnostic capabilities, while the In-Patient and Out-Patient Digital Mammography machines come with the latest 2D and 3D technology to detect breast diseases in women while still in early stages to improve survival chances in cancer patients.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the exodus of Health personnel from the country in the quest for greener pastures, Dr Ehanire maintained that the situation was not peculiar to Nigeria.
“This is not peculiar to Nigeria, It is a global phenomenon. There is huge mobility in the labour force – pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and doctors of all levels are moving.
I have heard officials of the United Kingdom complain that their doctors are moving to New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, where the pay is higher”
“I have seen Ghanaian ministers saying that their doctors are leaving. Even, the Gambia said their doctors are leaving for other countries.
So, it is a global phenomenon. That doesn’t mean it is not a problem. It is a problem for all countries, not only for us.
The countries that are wealthy are looking to improve their health services with cheaply acquired doctors trained in other countries.
And in many developed countries, there is nothing like free education at that level and it costs a lot to train doctors. But how are we trying to solve this problem? He said further.
According to the Health Minister, the exodus of health workers was not a recent phenomenon.
“It is true that we are suffering an exodus of health workers. First, I want to say it is not new. As far back as the 1990s, Nigerians were going to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other places. So, it is not a new thing. “
Dr Ehanire said that the Federal government had given health institutions directives to embark on a one-on-one replacement for health workers and medical personnel.
He, however, warned health institutions not to abuse the replacement process.
“I want to urge you all not to abuse this programme. If one doctor goes out, replace him with another of the same calibre.”
The Minister added that the Federal government was ready to accommodate Nigerians who are experts in the health sector but, had travelled out of the country for more than 10 to 20 years and would want to give back to the country to provide virtual lectures for students and staff in Nigeria.
Earlier, In an address of welcome The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jessie Otegbayo, commended the Federal Government, for improving facilities and creating a conducive place for research, training and clinical services in the health sector and UCH.
Professor Otegbayo said he was optimistic that the projects would “stem the tide of much talked about health tourism and brain drain in the health sector due to poor working environment.
The CMD implored Dr Ehanire to assist UCH by promptly addressing the problem of manpower shortage, through one-on-one replacement staff.
“I’m not unaware that you are already taking steps to address the issue.”
High points of the event were the presentation of a reappointment letter for another period of four years to the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital Ibadan at the board room of the teaching hospital, the presentation of an award to the Minister of Health and the inauguration of projects.
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