The set ’99 UNIBEN medical student alumni have blamed the challenges in the sector on poor leadership.
Dr Christopher Otabor, who succinctly captured the situation daid more experts are needed to effect a change in the sector.
Otabor stated this at the weekend during the Highflyers UNIBEN Medical Student Alumni class of ’99.
The doctor who is also a member of the set 99 said proper leadership with professionals will bring transformation to the sector.
“Our doctors are some of the best in the world. We need to find ourselves in the place of leadership to bring the desired change the people want to see in the sector.
“I am also happy that some of our mates are in government, which is a way to go. But I would like to encourage them to get in to politics so that they can be elected to contribute favourably to the change that we need in the sector:”
While commending the Imo state governor, Hope Uzodima for increasing the salary of doctors, Otabor urged the governor to ensure prompt payment of the salary.
Also speaking, Dr. Alex Iyamu, Member of Highflyer, said
doctors in Nigeria should be appreciated and their salary increased.
He said a lot of doctors will still leave Nigeria because the situation is not palatable.
“There is better welfare abroad for doctors unlike in Nigeria where they are poorly paid.
“We have the expertise, but there is need to encourage us to stay. The lecturers should also be encouraged and given research grants.”
He also commended the current administration for various health reforms.
“This government is trying but we need to do more.
“We need to strengthen the healthcare system. The health minister is doing well in trying to strengthen the primary healthcare service. This reform is a new development that should be commended.”
Oh his part, Prof. Emmanuel Ohanaka, former lecturer, UNIBEN College of Medicine, said poor salary and lack of proper welfare is responsible for exodus of doctors from Nigeria.
Ohanaka, who lectured on “Planning for Retirement”at the event, harped on the need for doctors to plan early for retirement.
