Ilorin- Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara on Tuesday in Ilorin inaugurated the North Central Zonal Office of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Speaking at the occasion, the governor called on the Federal Government to institute measures that would sustain harmony in the health sector and forestall incessant industrial action.
Represented by his Commissioner for Health, Mr Kayode Issah, Ahmed said the location advantage of the state would facilitate the activities of members of the council.
He said it would also enhance an efficient and effective coordination of programmes of the council.
Ahmed said his administration appreciated the unique role that MDCN was playing in regulating medical practice in Nigeria.
“If not for the role of the council, many of the excesses in medical practice could have been heightened; for this we cannot but commend your council for doing a wonderful job.
“Let me inform you that health care delivery services form part of the cardinal principle and policy thrust of this present administration.
“That is why from the inception of this administration, efforts have been concentrated at ensuring provision of accessible and affordable qualitative health care delivery services to all and sundry in the state within 500 meteres radius.
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“The commitment that drives health care delivery in the state has led to the renovation of five general hospitals across the state among other achievements,” Ahmed said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of MDCN, Prof. Jonathan Azubuike, said the council brought the zonal office to Ilorin to make it possible for those in private practice to improve their performance.
He said doctors now do not need to travel to Abuja to access the services of the council.
Azubuike added that the development would make life easier for the people and bring health care delivery closer to them.
Prof. Ayodele Omotoso, in his keynote address, advised medical practitioners to seek more knowledge in the profession.
” Things are changing everyday and patients are now becoming more enlightened, more educated and more aware of their conditions,’’ he added.
Omotoso said it was expedient for medical practitioners to constantly update their knowledge in order to meet the changing times.(NAN)