The Association of Resident Doctors, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka, has organized the 2023 annual general meeting and maiden academic seminar with a call for improved welfare of resident doctors to reduce brain drain to the barest minimum.
The event with the theme, “Brain Drain and the Residency Training Programme: Striking a Balance”, which was held in at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka, had members of the association and top medical doctors of the hospital in attendance, featured series of presentations and talks geared towards preparing the resident doctors for the tasks ahead after their residency programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Dr Josephat Akabuike commended resident doctors working in the hospital for being dedicated and contributing their quota in saving lives assuring them of improved welfare and support from management of the hospital.
Cautioning doctors against transferring aggression to their patients, Dr Akabuike reminded the resident doctors of the need to be focused and prioritize the wellbeing of the patients at all times, pointing out that the major objective of the health institution is to save lives no matter the challenges confronting them.
In separate remarks, the Vice Chairman Nigeria Medical Association, Anambra State Chapter, Dr Prince Okam and a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon with the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Dr Amechi Nwachukwu encouraged the resident doctors to be humble, resilience, and give themselves to learning throughout their residency programme.
In a speech, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka Dr Nnaemeka Añunihu while appreciating the leadership of the institution for the support to the resident doctors, called for their improved welfare, even as he assured on behalf of others to judiciously carry out their responsibilities throughout their residency training programme.
Presenting a keynote address on the theme of the event, Dr Nnaemeka Umedum who described brain drain as emigration of highly skilled medical personnel from poor or middle-income countries to more developed countries, listed lack of opportunities for advanced medical training, underfunded health care systems, poor remuneration, poor socioeconomic and political conditions, among others as major causes of brain drain in underdeveloped countries.
Dr Umedum identified loss of valuable human resources, slowing down of economic growth, lack of innovation and creativity, among others as negative effects of brain drain on the country involved, and encouraged the resident doctors to among other things, resist the temptation to emigrate by seeking opportunities to gain additional training and experience in their home country, network and build connections with other healthcare professionals in their country, and join professional organizations.
The event featured departmental quiz, election and handover, presentation of certificates of merit to outstanding members, and distribution of Christmas hampers.
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