Don’t leave Nigeria, health minister begs medical practitioners

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Pate

Don’t leave Nigeria, health minister begs medical practitioners

Abuja—The Federal Government, yesterday, begged medical practitioners in the country against relocating to foreign countries, urging them to remain not only committed but also patriotic to the service of their fatherland.

The plea came as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, inducted over 600 foreign trained medical and dental graduates, thereby increasing the workforce in the gnation’s health sector and adding to the capacity for human resources for health.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Pate, who stated this at the event, insisted that medical practitioners must remain in the country to “build a better image for the health sector and build our nation.

“I must say this, please don’t japa, let’s do this together and build a better image for the health sector and build our nation,” Prof. Pate,who was represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Kachollom Daju, said.

The minister added: “You have all journeyed from your various homes to pursue education abroad, overcoming not only academic challenges, but also cultural, emotional and logistical hurdles. Your experience both in the classroom and in the field have equipped you with unique skills and characteristics that will enhance your practice of medicine or dentistry.

“It is obvious that this is a special moment for you and your family, friends, mentors and those who have supported you along the way.

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“Your achievements reflect their support, sacrifices and faith in your potential. I will also like to extend my appreciation to the universities, institutions and most especially the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria that provided the educational foundation for your growth and ensuring compliance to the prescribed guidelines.

“Today, dear doctors, as we take the Hippocratic oath, you are making a solemn commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in your practice.

“The chairman has already ruled out some of the points for you that you need to work on as doctors. Commitment, humility, service to patients and what the empathy and compassion is, amongst other things.
“The political sector for the government and health is moving towards quality care, safe care, safety of people. Because through the years, the health sector in Nigeria has been inundated with a lot of citizens complaining about the state of our health care system. Now we have over 600 of you being doctors today and you are coming into this space that is very critical to our nature of journey.

“Therefore, you are pledging to serve humanity with compassion, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. We now hope that your work will directly impact the lives and well-being of your people. Because the trust that society places on you is immense and you see the responsibility that you must challenge with the utmost seriousness and professionalism.