Tinubu receives fellowship of WACP, seeks solutions to brain drain of medical experts

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lamented that the exit of skilled medical professionals from West Africa to advanced countries is limiting access to essential medical services, thereby increasing the workload on available personnel.

President Tinubu said this on Thursday while urging medical professionals to find solutions to the challenge of medical brain drain, which he noted has continued to put considerable pressure on healthcare systems in the subregion.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, said Tinubu raised the challenge on Thursday, shortly after taking the oath as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), at the State House, Abuja.

The President urged the College leadership to use their forthcoming conference to develop practical, sustainable solutions to the persistent challenge of medical brain drain across West Africa.

We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections. So, I wish you the best. As I pledge to behave myself, I will continue to do whatever I can do for this honourable profession.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to championing comprehensive health sector reforms to make healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable, and efficient for all Nigerians.

The President acknowledged medical professionals’ commitment and outstanding contributions to humanity through medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions, and building resilient healthcare systems. He also thanked the college’s leadership for considering him worthy of the recognition.

The President was conferred with a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians by the Council of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), in recognition of his contributions and commitment to strengthening health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.

According to the College President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, the College selects and awards the fellowship to the best-performing President in healthcare delivery across the sub-region.

He noted that only General Ibrahim Babangida received it as former Head of State of Nigeria in 1991. “So, this is the second time we are coming back to Nigeria to present to you, Mr President.”