A psychiatrist, Dr Kunle Adesokan, has suggested the establishment of a medical service commission by the Federal Government, like the judicial service commissions, to ensure quick response to issues in the health system.
This, he said, would help stop emigration of health workers abroad for greener pastures.
Dr Adesokan, who spoke at the send-off event for Dr Basiru Kasika, the former chief medical officer of the General Hospital, Fiditi, organised by the Fiditi Strategic Development Initiative (FSDI), said the medical service commission, if established, will, among other things, be able to ensure timely response to issues in the healthcare sector and increase its functionality.
Adesokan, also the secretary of health for the FSDI, declared that the medical service commission, as well as appropriate remuneration and equipping of health facilities, will go a long way towards stemming the emigration of health workers.
“Each time there is a problem, we go back with a cap in hand to the government to increase our salary. It does not happen like that in the judiciary sector. Once there is a problem with the economy, they know what to do because they have a service commission that regulates things,” he said.
The medical expert, however, said the FSDI organised the ceremony for Dr Kasika, having worked for over 9 years at the hospital and his involvement in activities to uplift the hospital and support efforts that caused an increase in the number of patients that now patronise the government’s hospital.
“Now, through our wisdom and in partnership with us, there is an increase in the number of attendees at the general hospital, and the hospital now performs minor and major surgeries. So, we felt that the personality must be celebrated,” he said.
FSDI’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ayobami Olubiyi, earlier in his remarks, had appreciated Dr Kasika and described him as “a great man who is loved by people of Fiditi because of his work and leadership at the hospital.”
Responding, Dr Kasika described Fiditi as a home to him, adding that he has no regrets working in the community for the period.
He asked government to ensure equal distribution of health workers in rural and urban centres, by increasing the rural allowance for health workers, providing equipment in hospitals and providing social amenities, including good schools, to reduce the pull effect of the cities for health workers.
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