Minister’s 4-point plan for the health sector will solve the labour shortage

Prof. Muhammed Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, claimed on Thursday that the ministry’s four-point strategy would boost the country’s healthcare system while addressing the sector’s labour shortage.

This was said by Pate during the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria’s 41st annual convocation in Ijanikin, Lagos.

Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, acted as his representative.

He said that the four-point plan will also deliver quality medical and social services.

According to the minister, the plan will boost the regulatory ability of the institutions by evaluating the leadership skills of teaching hospitals in improving the administration and management of hospitals.

“Improve population health outcomes and healthcare, giving diseases like diphtheria, measles, illnesses that can be prevented by vaccines, and maternity and child health priority.

So that Nigeria may produce medical supplies on its own, “unlock the healthcare value chain with a focus on medical industrialisation.

“Invest more resources to ensure that the Nation’s public healthcare capabilities are strengthened to be able to respond to outbreaks early, before they get out of hand,” he advised.

According to Pate, the plan would show how to build a healthy population and maximise the potential of both the young and old.

“Nigeria’s investment capital for constructing a better future is the students and scholars who will be receiving degrees, honours, and prizes today.

“You now have the abilities and information required to drive advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

In other words, you represent Nigeria’s desire to compete on an equal footing with the world’s giants, he said.

According to Pate, the Federal Government is committed to refocusing Nigeria’s healthcare system on enhancing the health of all Nigerians.

The National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria’s President, Prof. Akin Osibogun, called on all parties to work together to meet the need for medical personnel in the nation.

According to Osibogun, the partnership will face the difficulties head-on with bravery and tenacity, adding that it would result in a stronger country and a better tomorrow.

“We recognise the 413 medical and dental experts from 15 faculties who are convocation today and who have completed all training criteria for the award of the fellowship by examination.

92 alumni of our postgraduate MD curriculum, six postgraduate diplomats in anaesthesia, and 73 diplomats in family medicine are also included.

In whatever capacity you find yourself, he urged them to “continue to represent the college well and to be worthy ambassadors of the college, both in character and in learning.”

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a number of medical experts have received prestigious Fellowship Awards, including Prof. Adewale Akinsola, a professor of medicine, consultant nephrologist, and the founding dean of Bowen University College of Health Sciences in Osogbo.

Dr. Benedictus Ajayi is the Chief Medical Director at the Elena Eye Institute in Ibadan and a former president of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN).

Professor and consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Akintola Ladeinde.