By Editor
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa has revealed that the Federal Government plan to send a cohort of medical professionals abroad for specialized training, with a view to curbing medical tourism and promoting research.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony of Dr. Peter Ebeigbe as the 23rd President of the National Postgraduate Medical College, Alausa disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health is collaborating with the National Postgraduate Medical College in Ijanikin, Lagos State, to implement the program effectively.
Dr. Peter Ebeigbe, an esteemed fellow in the Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynecology, assumed office after his election during the 131st statutory meeting of the college’s governing board.
In his address, Alausa emphasized the ministry’s commitment to addressing the prevailing challenges in the healthcare sector through innovative approaches.
The minister highlighted the development of new curricula designed to tackle existing healthcare challenges comprehensively.
These initiatives aim to expand the scope of medical specialties available domestically, thereby reducing reliance on foreign medical services and fostering a conducive environment for research.
Alausa elaborated on the forthcoming curriculum enhancements, which include the introduction of interventional cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, interventional radiology, pain medicine, critical care medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, and robotic surgery across various medical faculties.
In an address, Dr. Ebeigbe echoed the concerns regarding the disparity in earnings between Nigerian medical professionals and their counterparts abroad, particularly in the Middle East.
He emphasized the economic imperative behind the brain drain phenomenon, urging urgent intervention to address the underlying economic disparities.
Highlighting the significance of past interventions, such as the enactment of the Medical Salary Scale, Dr. Ebeigbe underscored the need for sustained economic measures to mitigate the brain drain crisis and fortify the national healthcare system.
