By Nurat Uthman
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has expressed serious concern about the problems facing the health sector in the country.
He made these comments during the opening ceremony of the 13th Biennial Delegates Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association in Kano.
The minister, represented by Professor Abdurrahman Sheshe, Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, listed some of the issues affecting the health sector, including insufficient funding, brain drain, lack of facilities and personnel, outdated equipment, particularly in rural areas.
He stated that the current administration is actively working to address these problems and strengthen the health sector. Pate emphasized that these challenges have resulted in significant issues, particularly in terms of maternal and child mortality.
The minister expressed the government’s readiness to collaborate with organizations such as MDCAN to find solutions to these problems and welcomed useful advice and suggestions.
Professor Victor Makanjuola, President of MDCAN, called for immediate action to address the emigration of consultants from Nigeria to other countries.
The theme of this year’s conference focused on the challenges of medical education in Nigeria and finding a way forward.
The conference aimed to analyze new developments in the profession, review current practices, and highlight innovations in the health and medical education industry.
