By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The President of the World Medical Association (WMA), Dr.Osahon Enabulele, reiterated his call for a strong health system, resilient health workforce and universal health coverage (UHC) during his visit to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr.Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, at the Edo State Government House.
During the visit, the WMA President, Dr.Enabulele, once again thanked the State Governor, His Executive Council members, the Oba of Benin, and the people of Edo State, for the encouragement so far given to him in his leadership of the World Medical Association.
Enabulele informed the Governor of his progress and commitment towards fulfilling his mandate as WMA President, particularly as it concerns advancement of global health through advocacy for health system strengthening and universal health coverage.
He also briefed him on his efforts towards promoting medical ethics, patient-centred care, reduction of violence against physicians and other health professionals, investment in the development of a resilient and motivated health workforce, and support for WMA constituent members, among others.
He commended the Governor for his efforts in repositioning the state in areas such as Civil service reforms, Sports development, Electricity/power generation, Technology and Digital transformation.
In addition, the WMA President expressed great delight at the triumphant victory of Bendel Insurance Football Club at the recently held 2023 Nigeria Federation Cup.
He stated that this was only possible because of the State Government’s obvious commitment to Sports, including the revival of Bendel Insurance Football Club which last won a major tournament 43 years ago, precisely in 1980.
While praying for many more developmental strides, the WMA President called on the State Government to urgently attend to the existing challenges in the State’s health sector.
He further tasked the State government on Health system strengthening and the motivation of the existing Human Resource for Health in the State.
He appealed to the Governor to implement the new Hazard allowance approved for physicians and other health professionals in Nigeria.
The WMA President also used the opportunity of the visit to formally invite the Governor to the 76th General Assembly of the WMA billed to hold in Kigali, Rwanda, in October this year.
He thereafter called on the Chairman of Edo State branch of Nigerian Medical Association, Dr.Udoka Imoisili, to make her official presentation to the Governor.
In his response, the Executive Governor thanked the WMA President for the visit. He stated that the people of the State were very proud of the WMA President whom he stated had so far recorded many progressive strides in his tenure.
He praised the WMA President’s commendable efforts in health system strengthening and Universal Health Coverage.
He equally thanked the WMA President for being appreciative of the State Government’s developmental strides, and promised to physically attend the 76th General Assembly of the WMA along with members of his Government.
While assuring the WMA President of his commitment to strengthen the State’s health system, as well as his readiness to address the demands brought forward by the Edo State branch of NMA, the Governor called for a special workshop to be organised, with a focus on reforming the State’s health system.
The visit was also attended by other top officials of government, including the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt.Hon.Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr.Osarodion Ogie and the Chief of Staff, Hon.Osaigbovo Iyoha.
Similarly at the event were the State Commissioner for Health, Dr.Samuel Ali, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr.Chris Nehikhare, other Civil Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of agencies, amongst others.
In the delegation of the WMA President were his wife, Associate Professor Joan Enabulele, the Chairman of Edo State branch of NMA, Dr.Udoka Imoisili, the Deputy Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr.Benson Okwara, other members of the Edo NMA State Executive Council, including Heads of Affiliate bodies of Edo NMA.
Before his visit to the Edo State Governor, the WMA President had earlier had a Presidential Roundtable with Resident doctors at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he introduced them to the World Medical Association, its mission, objectives, activities, and benefits.