Medical Practice In Nigeria Cannot Be Separated From the country Current Situation, Says Don
By Ikhili Ebalu , Benin City
A Professor of Hematology and Stem cells Transplanology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, has hinted that Medical Practice in Nigeria cannot be separated from the country’s current situation.
Based on this he advocated that, there should be a good health insurance policy to improve practice, better pay salaries, improve facilities for practice and make the working environment conducive for doctors to make the difference wherever they find themselves.
Bazuaye, a Prof of Hematology and Stem cells Transplanology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital disclosed this as the guest lecturer at the induction oath/taking of the 46 Edo state university medical graduates newly qualified 2023/2024 Batch A Medicine and Surgery graduates of the Edo State University Uzairue.
Prof Nosakhare Godwin Bazuaye also disclosed that over 452,443 Students have applied to study medicine in Nigerian universities in 2023.
Prof Bazuaye whose lecture titled: “Now A Doctor, What Next”, described a doctor as above average intelligent individuals trained and certified in the act of medicine to manage both physical and mental health of individuals.
According to him, a doctor must be willing to go extra miles to save lives in line with the Hippocratic oath and he must also have good character and passion to save lives.
Adding that, Nigeria doctors today have no adequate facilities to practice and are poorly paid even when they can survive anywhere in the world.
Dr. Fatima Kyari, Registrar, MDCN stated that, the medical graduates are now certified as doctors to work in any health facility in the country.
Dr. Kyari, represented by Dr. Victor Kolawole, Deputy Registrar of the council emphasised the importance of adhering to the rules of professional conduct, which are ethical guidelines binding on every doctor in Nigeria.
“As doctors you must have passion and humanity.
The ethics in the profession must be upheld,” Kolawole said
In his opening address, the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dawood Omolumen Egbefo says the event marks a pivotal moment in the lives of the graduates and a proud occasion to the university as it inducted 46 newly qualified medical doctors for the 2023/2024 Batch A Medicine and Surgery graduates.
He equally appealed to the state government to continue to enhance the facilities at the Teaching Hospital which its improvement will significantly strengthen healthcare services, advance medical education and attract qualified professional while also beneficial to the local economy.
Prof Egbefo also thanked the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for the provisional approval for MBBS Programme which paved the way for the graduation of the first medical students in March.
He said the Edo State University Uzairue which was established in 2016 with 3 faculties and 8 programmes now boast of 9 faculties and over 30 undergraduate programs all accredited by the National Universities Commission and other relevant professional bodies, which also includes PGD, Masters, MBA, MPA, MPhil, and PhD degrees across various disciplines.
According to him, the university remains committed to fostering academic excellence, innovation and holistic development as Its take pride in achievements and anticipate continued growth and impact in the future has received commendations from regulatory bodies and International organizations.
In his welcome address, Ag Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe said the gathering mark a significant milestone in the journey of the graduates as they are about to embark on their professional journey.
“The quality of training offered here is exceptional and our products are highly competitive. We are proud of the well rounded medical professionals we have nurtured and we are confident that they will make a positive impact”, he added.
He urged them to always remember the oath to uphold the highest standards of medical practice, commitment to respect the autonomy of their patients to maintain confidentiality and to act with integrity.
He however advised them to always remember that they are not just representatives of themselves but the institution, and the medical profession as a whole and should always remember why they chose to become a doctor, stay curious, keep learning and embrace lifelong education; they should always practice with compassion, empathy and kindness; uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethics.
Highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to Miss Idris Aisha Sina who set a record of receiving a total of 12 awards including that of the best female and overall best.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has inducted 46 Medicine and Surgery graduates of the College of Medical Sciences, Edo State University, Uzairue.