Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has restated his commitment to bridging the brain drain gap in the state’s health system.
Soludo gave the assurance in Awka at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch.
The theme was of the meeting was “From Drain to Gain: Strategies for Building Nigerian Health Workforce Capacity”
The governor, represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike identified the “Japa syndrome” as one of the major challenges in the health sector which is partly being addressed through telemedicine technology.
He said, “This year’s theme carefully chosen is one of those global issues causing the current administration headache and white hairs.
“We’ve been bridging the gap of this brain drain, especially through use of technology.
“We’re already doing the primary telemedicine in the state developed by the governor.
“We’ve engaged some of the doctors – two doctors per local government to serve the PHCs.
We’re going to escalate it to secondary and tertiary health facilities and also working on use of technology to increase training.
“We’re also building one of the biggest medical universities in Nigeria which will be ready in 15 months and most of us will be engaged in the process.”
From brain-drain to brain-gain
An expert in telemedicine and telehealth, Dr Gbenga Ogunfowokan presented a paper on how to convert brain drain to brain gain through telemedicine.
He said the brains of doctors in diaspora could be deployed to solve domestic problems without necessarily bringing them back.
“The state can use Telemedicine in the PHCs to provide care for those areas with innumerable sicknesses where doctors can’t be easily accessed,” the Chief Consultant Family Physician said.
Earlier, State Chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam said the conference offered members opportunity to interact as well as interface with key relevant stakeholders, government agencies and policy makers on issues affecting doctors and health care system.
Secretary, AGM Local Organizing, Dr Obinna Aniagboso pledged the body’s continued engagement with government, especially on the area of remuneration increase to retain the workforce.
“We also encourage our members, especially the young ones to stay back.
“There are still benefits and fulfilment, especially treating and restoring the health of your own people,” he added.
The event featured award presentation to Dr Nonye Soludo, wife of the governor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, the immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Dr Afam Obidike for their contributions to medicine and society.
