The Alumni of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Class of ’85, have called on the relevant stakeholders, including alumni, to rally round the government in its efforts to revamp the health sector.
It was submitted that the sector is being confronted with various challenges that make it difficult for the general public to assess the basic medical facilities.
The medical experts who were in attendance at the Student Day and Legacy Sharing as part of the activities marking the 40th Anniversary and Reunion of the College of Medicine Class of “85 held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, on Monday, argued that the migration of Nigerian-trained personnel abroad in search of greener pastures is taking its toll on the sector.
They added that, aside from the migration of personnel, most hospitals lacked the necessary equipment for medical assignments; hence, people travel abroad for Medical Care.
They, however, stated that, although they cannot discourage the trained personnel from seeking greener pastures abroad, they should also give back to society by providing needed assistance to their alma mater.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Tolu Hospital and Ibadan Central Hospital, Dr. Abib Olamitoye, in a sideline interview with the newsmen, said that as members of the Class of ’85, they have decided not only to give back to the college but also to society at large.
According to him, “We are Alumni members. We have come back to give back to the coming generations, to find a way to reunite and make a better mark than we have made in the past, to the College, to the students and to the community where we once lived as students.
On the state of the health sector in the Country, he said,” ‘I don’t want to be political, but I can say that the decline is not limited to the medical profession.
“Nigeria has witnessed a tremendous pace in the absence of thorough planning, which has led to a crashing effect that has stalled the progress in all cadres of the economy, which has made the Country a very bad example of a nation.
“Nigeria is a country that runs without a vision. Many people have perished due to this lack of vision.
On the issue of the brain drain, he submitted, “People want better living condition. The origin of the brain drain is nothing but a poor economy and poorly managed financial resources.
“When medical personnel who came to school and spent six years plus two extra years in housemanship and NYSC come out and find out that they cannot even raise a family, let alone send their children to good schools, and they are needed elsewhere where they can have compensation for the years and pains they have had. I think their movement is legitimate.
Also, the keynote speaker, Tony Rapu, who doubles as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Freedom Foundation, admonished the students and other people in attendance to take advantage of the opportunities they have.
In his address titled “Seasons of Life, Start Strong, Stay Steadfast, Shine Bright”, Rapu admonished students to note that there are three seasons in life.
According to him, “There are three seasons of life: morning, afternoon and evening. Each of these seasons requires a confident attitude, places a unique demand, and serves a unique purpose in our lives.
“There are certain things you have to do in the morning, afternoon and evening of life. As students, in the morning, you ought to show the seed of life, discipline, empathy of character, hard work and studies.”
In his address, the Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. T. O. Ogundiran, lauded the contribution of the Class of ’85 to the growth of the health sector in the country and abroad.
He submitted that the set has produced notable leaders who have been of tremendous assistance to the College of Medicine.
