In view of the persistent symptoms of the social care crisis, the Benin monarch, HRM, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, says the brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector is worrisome.
Oba Ewuare II, made the revelation when the management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Benin City.
He predicted that if the push and pull factors behind menace are not urgently addressed, it could get to a freezing point whereby universal health coverage – access to quality health services, become a mirage.
The traditional ruler who spoke in Edo Language, said, “There is something that is of great concern to us (palace). Most medical personnel are leaving their country in droves, especially the best brains amongst you. So, how do you cope, sustain the so-called pin hole surgeries and other breakthroughs in hospitals?
“Most of the highly trained people have gone to Saudi Arabia, Dubai and other Countries abroad. I expect you to talk about the causes and his these trends can be reversed. Let us know if we can be of assistance.
“Why are our doctors after acquiring the necessary training here (Nigeria), leave? And we are watching. They (health workers) are complaining that they are not well paid and that there is poor conditions of service”, Oba Ewuare II queried.
The Benin monarch, however expressed delight about the security of health workers in UBTH. According to him, “I understand that incessant strikes are no longer frequent. We thank God and our ancestors. We have not also recorded cases of kidnappings of health workers and staff. We thank God for them”.
The Benin monarch, who however enjoined health workers to be patriotic, pledged his support for the management team of UBTH, ahead of its golden jubilee Celebration.
Oba Ewuare II, thereafter prayed for the management of the hospital for wisdom in piloting the affairs and industrial harmony.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, told the revered monarch that the UBTH would be celebrating its 50th anniversary of its creation during the first quarter of 2023 and appealed for the Oba’s prayer and support.
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