By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja –
The Nigeria Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) has called on the Federal Government to equip various hospitals with adequate technological infrastructures and provide better emoluments for doctors in order to halt the mass exodus of medical workforce in the country.
It also called for the funding of the training of anaesthesia specialists and promotion of technological advancement in anaesthesia practices.
The President of NSA, Professor Elizabeth Nwasor made the call on Wednesday during the 30th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting which was held in Abuja, with the theme: “Technology For The Advancement Of Anaesthesia”.
Prof. Nwasor, who lamented over some of the challenges faced by the NSA, said:
“There is the issue of our middle level workforce who have obtained the postgraduate the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Secondly, secondary and tertiary hospitals in Nigeria are not employing or putting up adverts for the emoloy of Diploma in Anaesthesia or Membership Certificate holders. It is therefore not a recognized entry cadre in the workforce”.
“It has also been noticed that there is no financial remuneration or upgrade in the level attached to the acquisition of the acquisition of the Postgraduate Diploma in Anaesthesia certificate. This was not the case in the past as persons with those qualifications used to enjoy upgrades, promotions and adequate career progression as appropriate. These factors are big disincentive and completely go against the policy of both National and West Postgraduate Medical College to encourage middle-level manpower Development in Anaesthesia”.
“This is a passionate appeal to the government to encourage the employment, training, MDCN registration, and give due recognition and career progression of this cadre of anaesthetists in order to add value to these certificates and justify the huge amounts paid by the residents in order to sit for these examinations and acquire these certificates. These measures will hopefully stem the tide of brain drain and mitigate the massive exodus of our health workforce especially among the anaesthetists”.
She also decried the non inclusion of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pin Management in the National Health Insurance Act as operated by the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA).
Professor Nwasor, who noted that the recent abduction of health workers is a big discouragement to the drive for professionalism in medical practices, called for the provision of adequate security in the country.
On his part, the Minister of State for Health, Hon. Joseph Ekunmankama, said the theme: “Technology for the Advancement of Anaesthesia,” is quite apt as it showcases the peculiar requirements of the Anaesthesiologist in this post COVID -19 pandemic era.
The Minister, who was represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Dr. David Atuwo, said the ministry would look into the issues raised with a view to finding lasting solutions to the problems of placement caste and career progressions of persons with those qualifications like Diploma and Membership in Anaesthesia of both National and West African Postgraduate Medical Colleges as a way encourage middle-level manpower development in Anaesthesia.
He said:” We have noted the call to equip our various hospitals, provide adequate infrastructure and improve the emoluments of doctors and especially encourage and fund the training of Anaesthesia Specialists. Regarding MDCN Registration, we will advise the Society to approach the relevant authorities to address the issues raised. Government is concerned about the tide of brain drain and suggestions on ways to mitigate the massive exodus of our health workforce especially among the anaesthetists is welcomed”.
“We note the non inclusion of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management in the National Health Insurance Act as operated by the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA). The ministry is willing to work with the NHIA and all key stakeholders to look into this area of need”. He said.
One of the guest speakers, Maj. Gen. (Dr.), Obashina Ogunbiyi, in his presentation, recommended that the Federal Government should provide more middle level manpower, conducive and secured workplace as well special incentives and welfare packages for anaesthetists in a bid to stem the “Japa syndrome” in the country.
He also called on the Federal Government to increase its grants to TETFUND in other to boost research in anaesthesia amongst tertiary institutions in the country.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of the 4th annual memorial lecture of Professor Christopher Famewo, NSA book launch, awards, group photographs, amongst others.
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