Coco-Bassey Esu|30 April 2017
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) yesterday had their 57th Annual General Conference/Delegate Meeting with the theme 'Technology in Medicine: Implications for the Healthcare in Nigeria' at the Calabar International Convention Center (CICC) in Calabar, the state capital.
The president of the Association, Prof Mike Ogirinya, revealed in his welcome address that the association upon arrival in the state conducted free medical outreaches where five hundred people were treated and twenty surgeries were also conducted. He also said the theme of the conference is in line with the association's plans towards prosecuting quacks with the use of doctor's seal. He further encouraged the Government to improve on the working environment of medical practitioners and reduce medical tourism outside the country.
In his address, the State Governor Sen Prof Ben Ayade, who was represented by his deputy, Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu, thanked the association for choosing the city of Calabar and welcomed all the delegates to the peoples paradise whilst reiterating on his administrations commitment to improve on the health of the citizen. The Governor urged the delegates to explore the clean and green city of Calabar and tap from the tourism potentials of the State.
"The Federal Ministry of Health, and Nigeria, is in a hurry to get it right and the use of technology puts us in a good position to achieve this and also places us on the pedestal among developing nations. The role of technology in medicine and the implication on the Healthcare system in Nigeria can never be overemphasized as technological advancement in recent times has led to medical breakthroughs. This is evident in our everyday laboratory tests that provide immediate results as against delayed intervals.” This was contained in the speech of the Honorable Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole who was represented by Dr. Inyang Asibong, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health.
The event which is the largest gathering of medical practitioners in the country was chaired by HRH Haliru Yahaya the Emir of Songhai while the Keynote address was taken by Dr. Elijah Miner. It also featured presentations from stakeholders around the world and had in attendance medical elders from Nigeria and the diaspora.
Coco-Bassey Esu
Writes from Calabar
