Dearth of haematologists worries Lagos health commissioners, others

The Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof Akin Abayomi, has said haematologists are scarce in most hospitals in Nigeria because the present haematologists have not made the discipline attractive.

Abayomi, however, asserted that the profession could be made interesting by ensuring that undergraduates majoring in the discipline were given exciting and relevant lectures.

Prof Abayomi made the disclosures while giving a talk on Thursday, August 29, at the 48th Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting of the Nigerian Society for Haematology and Blood Transfusion, held at the Ibadan Business School Conference Centre, Bodija, in Oyo State.

The theme of the conference, which ended on Friday, August 30, was “Haematology Practice in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects”.

Speaking further, Abayomi also decried what he described as the absolutely low number of human medical and allied professionals across the country, wondering why nothing had been done to curtail the trend for 60 years.

The commissioner who linked the drift in the medical profession with an unfriendly atmosphere in the country, however, suggested that the brain drain syndrome could be reversed through the implementation of result-oriented policies that would reverse brain drain to brain gain, thereby attracting Nigerian trained graduates currently overseas back to the country.

“What have we been doing for 60 years, watching this absolutely low number of human medical and allied professionals, yet we have Japa syndrome. It’s not as if we woke up one day and found that Japa is advancing, it’s still there and they are not responding to it, and it’s getting worse,” Abayomi said.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prof Fola Esan, in his remarks, expressed concerns about the proliferation of universities in Nigeria without concrete provision for the training of teachers, just as he lamented the craze by the average Nigerian to get rich quickly.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital, Prof Jesse Otegbayo, represented at the event by Dr. Sola Olawoye, said: “We acknowledge the critical role that haematology plays in the healthcare system of our nation. Haematologists and blood transfusion specialists are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to diagnose, treat, and manage blood disorders, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

“This conference provides a unique opportunity for us to come together to share our experiences, and discuss the prospects for haematology practice in Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the National president, of the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Prof Omolade Awodu, said: “The meeting has been a forum as always for the exchange of ideas, sharing of innovative research and fostering collaborations.

“This year’s theme is not just timely, but also vital in addressing the current opportunities and challenges confronting us as Haematologists in the face of unprecedented brain drain and a dwindling economy. Given the dynamic nature of the scope of Haematology, it is incumbent on us to be up-to-date and relevant.”

In his welcome address, the Local Organising Committee Chairman of the occasion, Prof John Olaniyi, thanked the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale; the CMD (UCH), Prof Jesse; the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Clinical Sciences, Prof F. A Fehintola, and the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, led by Prof Omolade Awodu, for their support which made the programme successful.

Also in attendance at the event were the Director-General, the National Blood Transfusion Agency, Prof Sally Yuguda, and Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof Gabriel Babatunde Ogunmola, among other dignitaries.