NMA Decries Doctors Shortage, Seeks Establishment Of More Medical Schools

UYO — The Nigeria Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has raised concern over the shortage of medical personnel in the state and called on the government to establish more medical training institutions.

The NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, made the call while briefing journalists in Uyo during activities marking the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, as he noted that the state has consistently failed to meet employment targets for medical workers. He cited a recent case where Governor Umo Eno approved recruitment for 400 doctors, but the positions could not be filled. He also mentioned that 700 nurses were needed, and the target was only met after some criteria were relaxed.

He stated that urgent measures are needed to address the shortfall and suggested that the government should begin to view medical education as an investment rather than a burden. While commending the governor for approving the establishment of a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University, Peter said the step was commendable but insufficient. He pointed out that other states like Delta already operate multiple medical training institutions.

According to him, Akwa Ibom needs at least seven medical schools to ensure adequate admission opportunities for students pursuing medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and other health courses. He further proposed that existing infrastructure in the state could be upgraded for this purpose. He mentioned the general hospitals in Ikot Ekpene and Eket, as well as the Ibom Specialist Hospital, as facilities that could serve as bases for new medical universities.

Written by News Room