In an interview with Nivo News, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, former Commissioner for Health, Akwa Ibom State, and Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, discusses the causes and consequences of brain drain, among other pertinent issues…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Here are the excerpts:

1. Recruitment Efforts Not Enough to Stem Brain Drain Impact
– Despite recent federal government efforts to recruit medical practitioners, Professor Bassey emphasizes that the recruitment alone is insufficient in addressing the pervasive issue of brain drain.

2. Ongoing Brain Drain Challenges in the Medical Profession
– Professor Bassey reveals that health professionals, particularly resident doctors and consultants, are continuously leaving the country, with recent resignations adding to the trend. The departure of experienced professionals poses a significant challenge, even as recruitment efforts are underway.

3. Economic Factors as the Primary Driver of Brain Drain
– The professor identifies the economy as the foremost factor driving brain drain, citing the significant income disparity between Nigerian doctors and their counterparts in countries like the UK and the United States. The allure of higher earnings abroad, coupled with inadequate remuneration locally, contributes to the ongoing brain drain.

4. Impact of Brain Drain on University of Uyo Teaching Hospital
– The interview highlights the adverse effects of brain drain on the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where resident doctors, nurses, and consultants have departed. The loss of experienced staff, especially in specific medical specialties, has created significant challenges within the hospital.

5. Challenges Faced as the Chief Medical Director
– Professor Bassey outlines generic challenges faced by the hospital, with power supply topping the list. He discusses efforts to address infrastructure deficits, such as completing abandoned projects, and the ongoing struggle with financial constraints.

6. Financial Constraints and Diesel Costs
– The financial challenge is underscored, with a focus on the hospital’s struggle to afford diesel for power generation. The rising cost of diesel, from N180 to N1,200, has significantly impacted the hospital’s budget.

7. Government Funding and Currency Exchange Rate Variations
– The interview emphasizes the need for increased government funding, especially in the face of high costs for imported medical supplies. Professor Bassey highlights the challenge of obtaining adequate funds due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

8. Addressing Poor Organizational Culture and Attitude of Staff
– Professor Bassey acknowledges challenges with the organizational culture and staff attitude, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve this aspect through regular training sessions and cultural change initiatives.

9. Government Intervention to Tackle Brain Drain
– Professor Bassey suggests that reversing brain drain requires a conducive working environment, competitive salaries, and policies to encourage skilled professionals to return. He advocates for a robust national discussion on these issues.

10. Balancing Positive and Negative Aspects of Legislation on Brain Drain
– The interview touches on proposed legislation requiring medical professionals to serve for more than four years before leaving the country. Professor Bassey acknowledges both positive and negative aspects, citing potential infringement on fundamental human rights while also recognizing the subsidized nature of medical education.

11.Personal Inspiration for Becoming a Medical Doctor
– Professor Bassey shares his personal journey into the medical profession, influenced by his mother’s career as a nurse and family friends who were medical doctors. Despite excelling in arts, his unwavering passion led him to pursue a career in medicine.

12.Work Ethics Challenges in Public Hospitals
– The interview addresses concerns about health professionals running private practices to the detriment of public hospitals. Professor Bassey expresses disapproval of such practices, emphasizing the need for ethical behavior and dedication to public service.

13.Worry over Incessant Strikes in the Medical Profession
– Professor Bassey acknowledges the prevalence of strikes not only among medical professionals but across various labor sectors. He expresses concern about strikes becoming a common first resort rather than a last resort for resolving disputes.

In this comprehensive interview, Professor Bassey provides valuable insights into the complex challenges facing the healthcare sector, particularly the critical issue of brain drain, and offers perspectives on potential solutions.