Medical students chart way forward on improving health
Last week at the main auditorium of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, students of the department of Medicine and Surgery, OAU held her 30th Annual health week tagged; 'Improving the Health Indices of the Second Generation; Nigeria: the task ahead'. Guests included, Dr. Yinka Oladimeji, Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency; Prof A.O Fatusi, Provost, OAU College of Health Sciences; Prof. V.A Adetiloye, Chief Medical Director, OAUTHC; Prof. Ade Malomo, Chairman , Nigerian Medical Association, Oyo state chapter; Dr T.O. Afolabi, CEO, Sifax Group of companies, who is also an awardee, among others.
In his opening remarks, Akinwale Iyeku, the president of the association explained that the topic was chosen at this time in order to ameliorate the condition of healthcare in Nigeria, especially as the country cross the century milestone of her nationhood.
'As doctors-to-be, we believe that the future of healthcare in our country rests largely on our shoulders, and we should be awake to our responsilities. Even at that, we hope this public forum will serve as a clarion call from our association to government, private sector, and other stakeholders in Nigeria's health sector'
The guest speaker, Prof Malomo spoke on the event's theme. He explained that the topic came at this auspicious time in the history of the Nation, and medical practitioners are at the fore front, and most times, the victims.
Malomo argued that the real health of a nation lies in the quality of the mind. Adding that, Nigeria's health sector is bad because of the poor quality of mind, character and nobility. He expressed his displeasure on the recent cases of disease outbreak in some parts of the country. According to him, 'Unfortunately in Nigeria, every disaster is an opportunity to eat and take in more. We know the truth, but we have not been able to embrace it' Prof. Malomo said.
Adding that poor governance, policy inconsistency, corruption, weak private sector, poor coordination are the factors militating against the health sector, the surgeon charged the participants to develop their self-perception and avail themselves the precautionary measures
Dr. T.O Afolabi was presented the distinguished award, and as the chief launcher of the association's projects. He was represented by Dr Fola Rogers, an executive board member of Sifax group. Also, the association honoured their 'teachers' and 'parents' with awards. Some of which include; Prof S.O. Oguniyi, Prof M.O. Balogun who are immediate and past provosts of the college respectively.
