In recent times, there has been an increased number of Nigerian Doctors and other health workers migrating to other parts of the world in search of greener pastures.
This ugly trend has posed serious threat to the nation’s health sector and the 2023 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Anambra State Branch, is seeking the inputs of relevant stakeholders to find solutions to this worrisome trend and ways to advance the system and improve health care delivery.
speaking on the theme of the conference, “Mass emigration of doctors and other health workers: the origin, challenges and solutions”, the President, NMA, Dr. Rowland Ojinmah, identified poor renumeration, high taxation, difficulty in gaining employment, insecurity, stressful medical education and poor funding of health sector among other challenges as reasons for brain drain in the medical field.
In her address, the state chairman of NMA, Dr. Jane Ezeonu, said that the conference offers opportunity for continuing medical education and professional development, lamenting that the increasing number of doctors and health workers leaving the country is disastrous to the profession.
In a sub theme, titled ‘ Anambra State Healthcare Plan’ the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, represented by the Director, Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, said the present government is providing quality healthcare services to the masses and a world class healthcare management system through the adoption of globally proven community driven strategy.
Contributing, the state Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, described the theme as apt, explaining that the state government has invested in improving healthcare infrastructure, increased remuneration and improved health care initiative.
The chairman on the occasion, Professor Sunday Okafor, said the conference is critical to addressing the ‘Japa Syndrome’ of medical practitioners for the growth of the health sector in Nigeria.
The chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Stephen Awachie said the theme is targeted at addressing topical issues at the front burner of healthcare delivery in the state and nation.
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