The International College of Surgeons, Nigeria Section (ICS-NS), has inducted 40 medical doctors as Fellows during its 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Abuja.
Outgoing President of the College, Professor Akanimo Essiet, led the formal induction and administered the oath of allegiance to the new Fellows, charging them to uphold the ethics, values, and high standards of the profession.
“As Fellows of this prestigious College, you are expected to carry yourselves with integrity, uphold patient safety, and maintain the dignity of your calling,” Essiet told the inductees.
While congratulating the new Fellows, Essiet used the occasion to spotlight persistent challenges facing the Nigerian healthcare sector.
He identified poor funding, inadequate manpower, and outdated equipment as critical issues undermining the effectiveness of medical institutions and professional bodies like the ICS.
The outgoing president expressed deep concern about the mass exodus of trained medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad, saying the trend reflects systemic failure in retaining skilled talent.
“We’ve trained them here, but the system is not giving them reasons to stay,” he lamented.
Essiet urged the Federal Government to urgently scale up investment in the health sector, particularly in strengthening the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), which he described as a potential game-changer if properly funded and expanded.
Echoing these concerns, the incoming President of the College, Professor Ben Jiburum, stressed that better funding is essential not only to improve service delivery but also to retain young doctors who are increasingly disillusioned by poor working conditions.
“Our healthcare system needs both modern technology and motivated personnel. Investing in both will stem the brain drain and elevate healthcare standards,” Jiburum stated.
Former College President, Professor Alexander Nwofor, also called for sustained investment in medical personnel, especially in terms of remuneration and continuing professional development.
“We must encourage doctors to remain committed to patient safety while keeping pace with global best practices,” he said.
Similarly, the outgoing National Treasurer, Dr. Grace Nwana, raised alarm over insecurity, which she said was further complicating healthcare delivery.
“Security is crucial. Medical professionals cannot serve effectively in an environment of fear,” she noted.
The five-day conference, which began on June 23, featured medical outreach programs and technical presentations focused on improving surgical safety, especially in resource-constrained environments.
The International College of Surgeons, known for its long-standing commitment to professional excellence, continues to play a vital role in advancing surgical practice and promoting global standards within Nigeria’s health system.
