ByIduozee Paul, Benin Correspondent
Former national president of the NigerianMedical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele has called for adequate training forresident doctors in
Edo state to enable them render betterhealthcare services to the people.
The two time NMA president said good government policies will help transform and reform healthcare delivery and services, in public hospitals.
He decried the non- payment of arrearsto resident doctors.
Enabulele made the call at an event organized by the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, ARDN, as its 39th Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference with the theme, “The Corollary of Government Policies on Residency Training.
He advocated the institution of a training programme for doctors.
According to him, for resident doctors to function very well in their duty, there must be constant research, implementation of medical technical template,seminars and education,collaboration with other vital stakeholders in the health sector and accredited training school for doctors.
Dr.Enabulele who, delivered the keynote address, called on government to do the needful to decongest the health sector in the state,
and provide modern facilities in government hospitals to make sure
there is better healthcare delivery for the people, and Nigeria as whole. He appealed for a sustainable training programme for ARDs to enable them give all their inputs in their work.
Speaking at the event, Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki said that developing the healthcare delivery system in the state is one of the major projects of his administration and having the right workforce is key.
“Since it has been identified that government policies have critical effects on residency training outcomes, I believe we are on the right
course towards achieving viable road-maps for better service delivery and greater fulfillment of broad-based expectations. We are quite aware of the correlation between the quality of healthcare delivery system of any society, and the possibility of the society achieving the dream of becoming an advanced society.’’
According to the governor, “It is imperative for government to keep deploying the right policies toward healthcare improvements and accessibility. It is vital for the various players involved in healthcare
Management to work in perfect synergy.”
He urged all involved in the healthcaresector to shun bickering and rivalry.
“We should strive towards shunning unnecessary rivalry, bickering, contestations, and all manners of industrial disharmony.This we must do for the gain of humanity and the hope of abetter future. We must all keep working towards adequate, satisfactory, constantly improving and affordable healthcare deliveries, which are critical to the well-being and survival of mankind”, Obaseki admonished.
In his remarks, the medical director, Central Hospital, Benin-City, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, said the incessant strikes in health sector affect good health care delivery. He equally advocated for a deliberate training
policy on leadership and management for resident doctors to make them effective in doing their job.
Dr.Ugbodaga also frowned at the contention in healthcare institutions, and called for good environment, modern facilities in government hospitals.
Commenting, the national president of Association of Resident Doctors,
Dr. Olusegun Israel Olaopa, disclosed thatbetween 1966 and 2019, the
Nation has produced fewer than11, 000 medical and dental specialists to offer advanced medical services to about 200 million Nigerians.
“This figure is given with a sense of optimism because not few of these categories of doctors have left and are still leaving for better opportunities around the world. Nigeria currently has not less than 73 tertiary health institutions,whether federal, state or private, where residency programmes are undertaken, but none of these institutions
Meet the requirement to train anyone tobe a specialist.’’
“One of the problems, that appears conspicuous to us as an association is the will of the political elites, through policies that guide not only the residency programme, but the Nigerian health system at large,’’ he added.
In his remarks, the state commissioner for Health, Dr.David Osifo
Reiterated he Edo State government commitment to creating quality and better healthcare for the people.
Dr.Osifo stressed that government hascommenced building all primary healthcare centers in the state and thanked all forgracing the
occasion. He also commended theorganizers for putting the programme together at the crucial time.
