October 29, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The West African College of Physicians has made an impassioned plea to doctors in the region, encouraging them to remain in their home countries and contribute to the development of the healthcare system.
This call to action was made by the College’s outgoing President, Dr. Rose Macauley, during the opening ceremony of the 48th Annual General Scientific Meeting in Abuja.
Dr. Macauley emphasized the importance of doctors staying in West Africa to help address the region’s healthcare challenges.
“We want you to stay in your country; don’t leave. We want you to contribute your quota to the development of the health sector in West Africa.
“We in the College encourage ourselves to give back to our society and not to leave, as this is the value of the College,” she said.
She continued, “We are empowered to give recommendations to various governments and encourage them to implement these. We are urging the government to create an enabling environment, particularly for our young doctors. This is the only way to keep them in the country, allowing them to practise and discourage migration.
“This means addressing their personal needs and ensuring they have enough equipment to enable them to practise their profession,” Macauley said.
She also inducted new honorary fellows and members into the College, urging them to give back to society, particularly in the health sector.
However, the President-elect of the College, Dr Mamadou Mourtalla, has said the brain drain in West Africa health sector is becoming increasingly and could pose serious health challenges in the future.
The President urge Governments to address the issue with urgency
“The African continent has a large number of committed and educated doctors, and it is a serious problem for our young doctors to leave and give their service to countries that did not train them.
“But the best way to retain these young African doctors is to address their challenges so they can give their best,” he said.
The West African College of Physicians has been working to improve healthcare in the region since its establishment in 1976.
With chapters in eight member-nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, the College provides training, research, and fellowship opportunities to medical professionals.
