AfriPulse
…insists govt alone can’t meet financial demand of training health professionals
By Hassan Zaggi
The Chief Medical Director of Alliance Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Christopher Otabor, has called on well-meaning individuals, philanthropists and corporate organisations to support the training of health professionals in the country.
Speaking while receiving an award of recognition for contributing to the growth of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Abuja, during the induction of 75 medical doctors by the institution on Thursday, Dr. Otabor insisted that the government alone cannot meet the huge financial demand of training health professionals in the country.
Dr. Otabor who is also the Chief Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, at Alliance Hospital, described the award as a privilege and an affirmation of the University of Abuja’s relentlessness to strengthening medical training in Nigeria.
He noted that the gesture by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, underscored what he described as “the need for increased private support for medical education in Nigeria.”
According to him: “Instead of complaining about inadequacies, those who have the means must rise to bridge the gap.
“Advanced countries depend heavily on private donations. It is in our collective best interest to contribute to building stronger training facilities in our medical schools in the country.”
Dr. Otabor, who also lectures at the institution pro bono, applauded the quality of Nigeria’s medical graduates, describing them as some of the best in the world.
He, however, expressed concern over the increasing migration of Nigerian-trained health professionals, attributing the trend to economic pressures.
According to Dr. Otabor, his motivation to support the university is to expand training capacity so that Nigeria can continue to retain enough doctors despite ongoing emigration.
“Even when some leave, we must ensure we still have a sizable number who will serve here,” he stressed.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, described the induction of 75 medical doctors as a major milestone for the institution.
“This is the seventh set of medical graduates from the College of Health Sciences, and the highest number so far. It is an excellent achievement, and we commend the provost, deans, and faculty members for their dedication over the years,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the graduates would excel anywhere in the world, stressing that: “With the standard of training they have received, we have no doubt about their ability to represent Nigeria admirably.”
He, therefore, urged them to uphold integrity and hard work as they begin their professional career.
Source: Authorityngr.com | Read the Full Story…
