Tinubu, 7 Others Bag Medical College Fellowship
Lagos
Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, along with eight other distinguished Nige-rians, were yesterday conferred with Honorary Fellowship Award of the National Award Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria at the 25th year anniversary and 22nd Convocation of the institution.
Other beneficiaries are Governors Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu (Bauchi), Peter Odili (River,) Umar Musa Yar'Adua (Katsina), Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu), Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, Oba of Ijanikin ,Oba Momodu Ashafa and Chief Raymond Zaro.
Citing the basis of the award to Tinubu, Chukwuemeka Azubuike President of the College, Professor noted that apart from the extensive contribution to the development of secondary healthcare in the state, the people oriented policies such as the free medical treatment for different categories of persons (the under 12, over 60 and civil servants) free treatment of Malaria, and Tuberculosis are also significant development.
He further listed the introduction of free limb correction surgeries, free breast cancer screening, blood screening and counseling for HIV/AIDS and the state with the certification of all of its primary health care institution by the Faculty of Public Health.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu, who was represented by State Commissioner for Health, Dr Leke Pitan, said the nonchalant attitude of various succeeding government to the health concerns of Nigerians has resulted in an abysmally poor servic to Nigeria.
Citing maternal mortality, infant mortality, prenatal death rates and average life expectancy figures, in Nigeria, Pitan described them as the worst in sub-Saharan Africa adding that since the era of General Yakubu Gowon, (1966-1975) the primary health sector has been neglected.
He noted that despite the introduction of the National Health Policy which provided the framework for an appropriate national development in Nigeria, the primary healthcare focus came much later though with potential for greater impact.
He urged political leaders to give due attention through generous budgetary allocation to all the three tiers of healthcare service delivery adding that the introduction of free medical services by state hospitals has contributed to enhancing the access of the people to basic health.
Pitan also suggested an enduring partnership between government and the private sector in the provision of health services.
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