The Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has raised concerns over the scarcity of haematologists in most Nigerian hospitals, attributing the shortage to a lack of appeal in the discipline as currently presented by existing professionals.
He suggested that the field of haematology could be made more attractive by offering engaging and relevant lectures to undergraduates specializing in the subject.
Prof. Abayomi made these remarks during his presentation 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, Oyo State.
The conference, which concluded on Friday, August 30, focused on “Haematology Practice in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”
The health commissioner expressed further concern over the low number of medical and allied health professionals in Nigeria, lamenting that the issue has persisted for 60 years without effective action to address it.
He linked the ongoing “brain drain” phenomenon in the medical profession to an unfavourable working environment in the country.
To counter this trend, he proposed implementing result-oriented policies that would transform “brain drain” into “brain gain” by attracting Nigerian-trained medical professionals 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 the ‘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,” Prof. Abayomi stated.
The chairman of the event, Prof. Fola Esan, also voiced his concerns about the proliferation of universities in Nigeria without adequate provision for training educators, as well as the pervasive desire among Nigerians to get rich quickly.
Representing the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, Dr Sola Olawoye acknowledged the critical role haematologists and blood transfusion specialists play in the nation’s healthcare system.
“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,” Olawoye said.
The National President of the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Prof. Omolade Awodu, emphasised the significance of the conference as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing innovative research, and fostering collaborations.
He noted that the theme of this year’s conference was crucial in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing haematologists amidst the current brain drain and economic difficulties.
In his welcome address, the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Prof. John Olaniyi, expressed gratitude to the various supporters of the event, including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; the CMD of UCH, Prof. Jesse; the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; and the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Clinical Sciences, Prof. F.A. Fehintola, as well as the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion led by Prof. Omolade Awodu, for their contributions to the success of the conference.
