From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has vowed to tackle the migration of the country’s health workers otherwise known as Japa syndrome.
The Registrar, MDCN, Dr Fatima Kyari, made the vow at the induction ceremony of second batch of medical doctors from Gregory University, Uturu held at Umuahia, Abia State.
Represented by Dr Victor Kolawole, the MDCN boss noted that health workers in Nigeria “are well trained”, hence the high demand for them abroad but regretted that the poor condition of service in the country was the reason behind their exodus.
“Nigerian doctors are well trained, that’s why they are highly sought after abroad.
“But we are doing all we can to reverse their migration. That’s where our focus is, to ensure that the high quality of practitioners we produce in this country stay back to tackle the numerous health challenges of the citizens.
“Government needs to provide the enabling environment to ensure they remain here in the country. Nigeria is growing in population, and we need doctors and health care professionals to man the health care needs”.
She tasked medical doctors on the need to place the health and wellbeing of patients above other considerations.
Dr. Kyari equally charged medical doctors on professional ethics and excellent service delivery.
She said:”Be exceptional. Learn on the job, and don’t let your patient regret meeting you”.
She urged the young doctors to specialize in various branches of medicine and acquaint themselves with technology in modern medical practice.
The Vice Chancellor of GUU, Professor Celestina Njoku, said the induction was a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey, as well as a profound moment in the university’s legacy.
She charged the graduands to be devoted to their career and remain worthy ambassadors of the university.
“Medical practice is not just a career but a calling. It demands technical skill, knowledge, compassion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of others.
“You are now entrusted with the health and lives of your patients, and this responsibility is both a privilege and a duty”, the VC charged.
The founder of Gregory University, Prof Gregory Ibe, congratulated the inductees for their resilience.
Professor Ibe restated the commitment of the institution to producing ethically sound and highly skilled medical doctors to the global market.
He commended the National Universities Commission, NUC, and MDCN, among other stakeholders for guidance, partnership and support to the institution.
Pro-Chancellor of GUU, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, tasked the inductees on excellence, professionalism, entrepreneurial capacity, among others, which according to him, are the core values of the university.
He also urged them to practice in line with the ethical standards of MDCN and other regulatory bodies.
Speaking, the Provost, Medical School, Prof Shadrach Offia, expressed confidence that the high skills and values inculcated in inductees, would propel them to excellence.
The Chancellor, Ikechukwu Gregory Ibe, said the institution produces medical doctors with passion and desire to make a difference, charging them to remain positive impacts makers.
The best graduating doctor, Peace Ogaranya, expressed her gratitude to the institution, mentors and parents as well as God for the feat.
She promised, on behalf of her colleagues, to help revolusionalise medical practice, and not let the institution down.
A total of 26 doctors comprising seven males and 19 females were inducted during the ceremony.