A renowned endocrinologist and co-founder, EkoCorps Plc, Dr Sonny Kuku has said the problems that continue to thwart the growth and development of the health sector in the country is neither that of manpower nor incompetency of the healthcare personnel but lack of political will by successive governments and leaders to do what is right to move the sector to an appreciable height.
He gave this remark at a news conference to announce the forthcoming inauguration and induction ceremony of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (AMSN) scheduled for Thursday, July 29, in Lagos.
A total of 136 persons would be inducted at the event and five of them namely, the ministers of health, Dr Osagie Ohanire and that of education, Mallam Adamu Adamu as well as the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora and also the business mongul, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, would be conferred with honorary fellows of the academy and others as either emeritus or foundation fellows..
Speaking further, Kuku said there were periods in Nigeria when foreigners from across the world sought medicare in Nigeria and that was when things were working unlike today when many Nigerians now prefer to go abroad for treatment.
He said politicians and government must have to give right priority to health sector by investing hugely in the sector and also provide enabling environment for practitioners.
Kuku, who is the chairman of the board of trustees of AMSN, said part of how to ensure there is paradigm shift in Nigeria’s health sector informed the formation of the academy.
He said all the four founding fathers of the academy, namely professors Oladapo Ashiru, Osato Giwa-Osagie; Dr Sonny Kuku and Professor Augustine Ohwovoriole are very passionate to see Nigeria’s health sector attain global standards.
Giving insights into the academy which took the founding fathers 12 years to midwife, the president of the academy and consultant reproductive endocrinologist, Professor Oladapo Ashiru explained that the sole objectives of the academy is to promote excellence in medical research and education, and also application of research in medicine and enhancement of human health and welfare.
He said the academy which shall be merit-based would only admit those who have distinguished themselves not only in medical and health-related fields but also in arts and humanities and have contributed significantly to the society and mankind.
He said there would never be political consideration for would-be membership of the academy at whatever capacities.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Buhari Urges MTN For Quality Service, Downward Price Review In Cost Of Data, Other Services
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday at State House Abuja urged the MTN Group to make the available top-of-the-range service to its Nigerian subscribers… Politics is bane of Nigeria’s health sector, says Sonny Kuku ; Politics is bane of Nigeria’s health sector, says Sonny Kuku ; Politics is bane of Nigeria’s health sector, says Sonny Kuku ; Politics is bane of Nigeria’s health sector, says Sonny Kuku.
and then