The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has charged graduating students of College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele Ibadan to fill the vacuum created by the Japa syndrome.
The Speaker gave the charge as the Special Guest of Honor at the 2023 Convocation Ceremony of the College held inside the institution’s premises, Eleyele, Ibadan.
Seven hundred and forty-five trained nurses and midwives graduated at the ceremony.
The Speaker said Japa syndrome has led to serious brain drain especially in the health industry hence he urged the newly trained nurses and midwives to strive to contribute their quotas to the development and improvement of the sector in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
“I am highly elated and delighted to grace this all important occasion, and I would like to express my warmest congratulations to all the lucky Nursing and Midwifery graduates on this milestone celebration. Today marks the culmination of your hard work, dedication and commitment to the realisation of your ambition of becoming professional Nurses and Midwives.
“Nurses are in the forefront of administering and evaluating treatment because they spend more time with us as patients, while the knowledge, expertise and support of midwives are indispensable during pregnancy, labour and childbirth hence both professionals are a crucial part of the overall healthcare team.
“As a result, the demand for the services and competences of nurses and midwives across the world has continued to soar. Unfortunately however, the number of professionals produced by institutions like this every year is not enough to cater for the healthcare needs of Nigerians and it is the same sorry story all across Africa. To make the situation worse, the few healthcare professionals that we nurture and train here are daily leaving our shores in search of greener pastures – the JAPA syndrome (brain drain). I know as you graduate today, you will strive to contribute your own quota to the development and improvement of the healthcare sector in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. We need your services and we need you to fill the vacuum,” Oyo Speaker said.
While advising them to put ethical and professional values and standards above personal gains, Hon Ogundoyin urged them to avoid cutting corners as their profession is a life saving one.
“Be professional at all times. Show love and care always. Perform your duties diligently and keep your knowledge and skills frequently updated. I wish you all the very best as professional nurses and midwives and I wish you all outstanding success in all your future endeavours.”
The Speaker lauded the management of College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele Ibadan for continuously churning out excellently qualified professionals who are playing huge roles in the health and wellness of the people.
He said the healthcare sector had received a massive boost under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, stressing that this had enabled the residents to access quality healthcare services.
“For instance, in 2019 Oyo State Government commenced the upgrade and renovation of 351 Primary Healthcare Centres spread across Oyo State. The 2nd and final phase of the upgrade has commenced and will be completed soon. This is to ensure that PHCs meet international standards and increase access to essential services such as maternal care, child immunization, HIV/AIDS awareness and other preventative health measures. I will like to add that plans have been concluded by the State Government to upgrade some of the PHCs to 24hrs healthcare centers.
“In addition, the revolving drug fund established by Governor Seyi Makinde is providing financial support for patients who are in need of vital drugs and medical supplies. Furthermore, secondary healthcare facilities like Ring Road Specialist hospital, Ibadan, Adeoyo State hospital, Yemetu, General Hospital, Tede, Aremo Maternity Hospital among others have also undergone substantial upgrades. The Free Health Mission of the Oyo State Government which commenced in 2020 has provided medical and surgical intervention to over 500,000 residents of Oyo State.
“The Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme is equally another laudable feat which is taking care of the health needs of the people of the State. The enrollees on the Scheme have risen to over 400,000, and they included pensioners who need the service the most. Not only that, our Omi Tuntun Free Health Mission has reached over 2 million residents with free medical and surgical care. It is worth mentioning that this administration has employed health workers to make more personnel available in our health centers.”
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