Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has, expressed concern over the exodus and shortage of medical manpower in Nigeria and Africa.
The Governor made his worries known when he received the President-Elect of the World Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele in Government house Benin City who revealed that eight years from now, the world will be in need of over eighteen million healthcare workers to cater to the health needs of the people in the world.
Enabulele who is the first Nigerian and West African Physician to be elected as President of the renowned body since 1947, commended the Governor for the enhancement of the state primary healthcare sector.
He assured that the WMA which was founded to promote the highest standards in Medical Education, Science, Art, Ethics and Healthcare for all people in the world will address some of the current deficits in the health systems in Africa and other low, middle income countries.
The issue of adequate manpower was also discussed.
Both the President-Elect and Governor Obaseki expressed concerns over the shortage of medical workforce in Africa and Nigeria which could pose a serious challenge in the near future.
Obaseki noted that the intention of his administration is to make the state attractive to doctors and other health related personnel in order to make Edo a medical hub.
The President-elect of the World Medical Association, WMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, met with Governor Obaseki at the EXCO chambers of the Edo State Government House.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie