By Emeka Ogenyi
A former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria and Advisor, Inoyo Toro Foundation, Mr. Udom Inoyo has commended medical practitioners in Nigeria for volunteering as first respondents in the fight against COVID 19.
He has also sued for a multi-stakeholder approach towards beginning the much-desired journey aimed at redeeming healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.
Inoyo who made the call in Uyo yesterday during the celebration of the 2021 Physicians Week of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA however called for a forward looking approach by all stakeholders to redeem the healthcare system in the country..
“Truth be told, there has been a systemic failure across the board, and for so long. We recognize that you have complained severally, gone on strike, adjusted where necessary, and like some colleagues, may have thought of or are still thinking about abandoning the ship.
“But this is not the time to apportion blames but rather, an opportunity for all stakeholders to row in the same direction. We must reset the clock and begin a journey of redemption for the general good.” He explained.
The ex ExxonMobil VC said that improvements in Human Resource Management (HRM) could inspire improvements in Nigeria’s health system.
“Strategic planning and staffing are critical success factors. Development and career planning must not only be deliberate but should be reflective of performance. Compensation and benefits must reflect the market and be transparently determined. Given the shortfall in human resources, task shifting is recommended.
“Ensure that your staff are up to date on global best practices. You must promote such practices that retain the workforce and halt regrettable attrition.”
“As much as possible, brain drain must be minimized”, adding that “despite how challenging the situation maybe, doctors must continue to take pride in the profession and remain committed to the fundamentals of the Hippocratic Oath”.
“You must re-skill yourself. No matter how difficult, please read and stay abreast of new developments in medicine and do not rely on past knowledge and experiences, as any misdiagnosis further erodes the confidence of your patients.” He emphasised.
President of NMA, Prof. Innocent Ujah who joined Into to make case for improvements in the healthcare delivery system called for the augmentation of physician’s monthly hazard allowance from a paltry N5,000 and for the establishment of a Bank of Health in Nigeria to support the growth and development of the health sector.
Presenting an award to Inoyo and the state commissioner for Lands Mr Umoh Eno, state chairman of the NMA, Dr. Ime Udo commended Inoyo and partners for the donation of 11,000 PPE units to medical workers in the state in the heat of COVID 19 and the procurement and donation of state of the art PCR machine to Akwa Ibom Government.
It would be recalled that, while the 11,000 PPE units were donated by Concerned Akwa Ibom Professionals in Lagos (CAKPIL), an association Mr. Inoyo currently coordinates; the PCR 3 machine was jointly donated by Inoyo Toro Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Bank.
