KEY POINTS
- Foreign trained medical and dental graduates amounting to over 600 were inducted into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
- FG urges new doctors to remain in Nigeria, build better health system.
- Medical profession requires commitment, compassion and patriotism, says MDCN Chairman, Health Minister.
As MDCN inducts over 600 additional medical, dental practitioners, the Federal Government has called on foreign trained medical and dental practitioners to stay in Nigeria to contribute to health sector.
It hopes the move will accelerate enhancing the country’s healthcare workforce and also the capacity for human resources in the sector.
In an emotional plea at the MDCN induction ceremony, Prof. Mohammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, asked all the new graduates to stand firm behind their country’s development to further foster their country’s healthcare systems.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Kachollom Daju, he said: “Do not japa, let us do this together to build a better image for the health sector and our nation.”
Journey of new graduates
The graduates had faced academic, cultural and also logistic challenges in coming out from a diaspora experience, Prof. Pate said.
They would add to the growth of the healthcare sector, as their experiences and acquired skills are diverse and beneficial for the practice of medicine in Nigeria, he said.
He reminded them that they had taken ‘the Hippocratic oath’ at the ceremony and were making a ‘solemn commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards in your practice.’
Moreover, he added that their work would have a direct effect on Nigerians’ lives and their well being, that the trust that society places on them is massive.
MDCN chairman urges restraint on service to country
Prof Joseph Afolabi Lesi, Chairman, MDCN, is ‘proud’ of the graduates; adding, ‘This is significant professional milestone for you, and indeed, a proud moment for Nigeria, as we welcome you into the class of healthcare providers.’
Furthermore, he reminded the new doctors to stay committed to Nigeria’s citizens and to adopt empathy, compassion and professionalism in their careers.
