Rally Round Govt In  Efforts To Revamp Health Sector In Nigeria, UI College Of Medicine   ’85 Set  Tasks Stakeholders

*X-rays challenges facing health sector, proffer solutions

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan 

The Alumni of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan,(UI) Class of ’85, on Monday, tasked relevant stakeholders, including alumni, to rally around the government in its efforts to revamp the health sector in Nigeria.

At the part of the activities marking the 40th Anniversary and Reunion of the College of Medicine Class of ’85, held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the medical experts emphasized that the migration of Nigerian-trained personnel abroad in search of greener pastures is taking its toll on the sector. 

According to the alumni, besides the migration of personnel, most hospitals could not boast of the necessary equipment needed for medical assignments, hence the reason people travel abroad for medical care.

Stressing that they while they cannot discourage trained personnel from seeking greener pastures abroad, they should also give back to society by providing needed assistance to their alma mater.

Speaking  on the sidelines in an interview with newsmen, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Tolu Hospital and Ibadan Central Hospital, Dr. Abib Olamitoye, said the event is for the Class of ’85, to give back to the College but also to the society at large.

“We are Alumni members. We have come back to give back to the coming generations, to find ways to reunite and make a better mark than we have made in the past to the College, to the students, and to the community where we once lived as students,” he said 

Commenting on the state of health in Nigeria Dr Olamitoye added, “I don’t want to be political, but I can say that the decline is not limited to the medical profession. Nigeria has witnessed tremendous fast-paced growth in the absence of thorough planning, which has led to a crashing effect that has stalled progress in all cadres of the economy, making the country a very bad example of a nation.” 

 “Nigeria is a country that runs without a vision. A lot of people have perished due to this lack of vision.”

On the issue of brain drain, he stressed “People want better living conditions. The origin of the brain drain is nothing but a poor economy and poorly managed financial resources. When medical personnel who came to school and spent six years plus two extra years in housemanship and NYSC come out and find out that they cannot even raise a family, let alone send their children to good schools, and they are needed elsewhere where they can have compensation for the years and pains they have had, I think their movement is legitimate.”

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Freedom Foundation, who is also the keynote speaker, Dr Tony Rapu urged students and other attendees to take advantage of the opportunities they have. 

Dr Rapu in his address titled “Seasons of Life, Start Strong, Stay Steadfast, Shine Bright,” pointed out that there are three seasons in life: morning, afternoon, and evening. Each season requires a certain attitude, places unique demands, and serves a unique purpose in our lives.

Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. T. O. Ogundiran in his remarks, lauded the contribution of the Class of ’85 to the growth of the health sector in the country and abroad, saying the set has produced notable leaders who have been of tremendous assistance to the College of Medicine.