The Federal Government on Thursday appealed to medical practitioners in the country not to ‘JAPA’, a local slogan for relocating permanently to a foreign country.
The government stated that rather than abandoning the country, they should stay back and serve their fatherland.
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Pate who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary,. Kachollom Daju, while speaking at the graduation ceremony of 600 foreign trained medical and dental graduates of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, medical practitioners are needed to build the health sector in the country.
“I must say this, please don’t japa, let’s do this together and build a better image for the health sector and build our nation. You have all journeyed from your various homes to pursue education abroad, overcoming not only academic challenges, but also cultural, emotional and logistical hurdles. Your experience both in the classroom and in the field have equipped you with unique skills and characteristics that will enhance your practice of medicine or dentistry,” he pleaded.
He added: “It is obvious that this is a special moment for you and your family, friends, mentors and those who have supported you along the way.
“Your achievements reflect their support, sacrifices and faith in your potential. I will also like to extend my appreciation to the universities, institutions and most especially the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria that provided the educational foundation for your growth and ensuring compliance to the prescribed guidelines.
“The political sector for the government and health is moving towards quality care, safe care, safety of people. Because through the years, the health sector in Nigeria has been inundated with a lot of citizens complaining about the state of our health care system. Now we have over 600 of you being doctors today and you are coming into this space that is very critical to our nature of journey.
“Therefore, you are pledging to serve humanity with compassion, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. We now hope that your work will directly impact the lives and well-being of your people. Because the trust that society places on you is immense and you see the responsibility that you must challenge with the utmost seriousness and professionalism.”
“Let us not forget that as health care professionals, you are constantly called upon to demonstrate empathy, resilience and adaptability.
He urged them “to approach your profession with the same passion and determination that brought you to this point.”