By Stella Odueme
President Bola Tinubu has urged medical experts across West Africa to develop sustainable solutions to medical brain drain, warning that the migration of skilled professionals continues to place pressure on healthcare systems across the sub-region.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday in Abuja after receiving a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) in recognition of his administration’s commitment to health sector reforms and medical development.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he urged the college leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical measures to address the persistent migration of medical professionals and improve healthcare delivery across West Africa.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforms aimed at making healthcare more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
He also commended medical professionals for their contributions to medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems.
The College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for presidents who had demonstrated outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery and improved the health of people across West Africa.
Similarly, the WACP Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation, Professor Musa Dankyau, said the award reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to far-reaching health sector reforms.
Dankyau disclosed that the college had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history, with former Gambian President Dawda Jawara among its earliest recipients. He added that former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.
He also cited investments exceeding $2.2 billion in the health sector, alongside progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness, as evidence of the administration’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.