‘Increase Health Workers’ Pay To Stop Brain Drain’ — Odili Appeals To Federal Government

In order to stop the brain drain that is occurring in the nation’s health system, former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to increase funding for the health sector and raise the pay of medical professionals.

Odili praised President Tinubu for his audacious plans in the health sector during his speech yesterday during the induction/oath-taking of 65 recently graduated medical professionals from PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

This came after Prof. Fatima Kyari, the CEO of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), praised Pamo University’s administration for their dedication to influencing the healthcare system.

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Odili, the institution’s founder and pro-chancellor, revealed that in the less than eight years since its founding, PUMS has graduated more than 330 medical professionals.

“The country would have enough medical practitioners and not be affected by an unprecedented exodus abroad for greener pastures if other institutions across the country could move at the same pace as PUMS,” Odili noted.

As the contact, let me use this occasion to congratulate Mr. President for his extensive initiative in the health sector, he remarked, Madam Registrar. Since they are the key to the nation’s health, we congratulate him and implore him to give health professional training particular attention. A prosperous nation is one that is healthy.

Prior to having money, we must be well. Thus, congratulate Tinubu and call on the federal government to see the review of health workers’ compensation and to make more investments. We would accomplish two goals at once in this manner.

“It gives us immeasurable pleasure and gratitude to Almighty God for the progress PUMS has recorded in less than eight years of its existence,” Odili added.

The third group of doctors is being introduced today. Additionally, in its brief existence, PUMS has added at least 330 medical professionals. If every other institution in the nation moved as quickly as PUMS is, you can only imagine the consequences. The fact that someone is fleeing with a Japanese person or whatever term they use in search of better opportunities won’t concern anyone.

After expressing gratitude to the Rivers State Government for launching a scholarship program for indigenous students pursuing medical sciences at the university, Odili urged other state governments nationwide to follow in its footsteps and give their indigenous citizens a chance to pursue careers in the medical sectors.

If other states follow Rivers’ example, no one will be concerned about Japan as they search for better opportunities. You won’t miss those departing if you have an abundance of health professionals.

“So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rivers State Government, and in particular the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for taking the initiative and continuing to support the scholarships for indigenous students.

“We encourage other states to emulate the Rivers State government, as you would have established the groundwork for national health success in the end,” Odili emphasized.

Prof. Kyari, the Registrar of the MDCN, inducted the graduates and said that the induction of the MDCN had not been compromised, adding that the graduates deserved to take the oath.

“You should be mindful of the significance of your contribution in the health sector,” she said, urging the graduates to be excellent representatives of the council and the institution.

Prof. Kyari also exhorted them to view their line of work as a calling rather than a profession, cautioning that the council would punish anyone who engages in any unwholesome behavior.

She noted that “At Pamo University, the span has grown from strength to strength” and praised Odili for providing women with the competitive advantage within the institution.

Speaking on the subject of “The Doctor – Honouring a Calling, Not Just a Profession,” the introduction lecturer, Prof. John Ikimalo, who teaches obstetrics and gynecology, counseled the graduates to view practicing medicine as a calling rather than a career.

He cautioned that when a practitioner views medicine merely as a means of accumulating income, the field runs the risk of being perceived as a commerce. He urged the graduates to maintain their humanity and not be dishonest with the faith that patients place in them.

“Treating a human being with a sickness is what a doctor does, not just treating a disease. You are taking care of a family, a community, and a country. Don’t ever lose your human connection. It is imperative that you follow your calling wherever you go. For no other reason than that you are a doctor, patients trust you. Only physicians are able to trust people. Patients will undress and divulge to you their personal information, including the secrets of their unborn children. Please, uphold that confidence,” he said.