By Dr. Femi Ogunyemi

• Continued from last Tuesday

No mention was made of a fully comprehensive document “Nigeria MDGs Report 2013 ” available on the NPHCDA website. It includes the Government’s Millennium Acceleration Framework (MAF) for MDG 5.

Dr. Obembe gave a very eloquent explanation of the NMAs primary objective of delivering Universal Health coverage for all Nigerians; universal as in 100%, rather than, according to the NMA, the 30% aspired by the Government.

Many questions were skillfully addressed by the NMA President, but the one asking why the association was seen as a bunch of strike loving doctors rather than true healthcare advocates as projected in Dr Obembes lecture……was a tough question to answer.

There was a lot of applause, backslapping and chest beating over our success with Ebola. Much deserved praise was directed at the Federal Government but the primary response of First Consultants Hospital and the Lagos State Government as the pivotal key in containment, needed to be highlighted. In addition, having being probably the very first to publicly commend our Ebola response in my article days after the index case, I wanted to remind the audience that Ebola remains a dangerous threat to Nigeria.

The explanation of the Sure-P programme was clear and instructive. Other speakers on Diabetes, The Sub Saharan Advisory Panel, Global Partnerships and Wales for Africa acquitted their obligations well. Retired neonatal nurse, Mrs Angela Gorman gave a passionate account of her charitable role in reducing maternal mortality in West Africa by the simple provision of cheap medicines like magnesium sulphate and misoprotol. She deserves generous support for her NGO “Life for African Mothers”.

A major fault of this meeting was the limited audience participation. “Questions only…no comments” was perhaps a bit strict for a quorum of medical professionals and specialists.

In a gathering that included a former CMD of a State teaching hospital, a current Group CMD of a prominent Lagos Private Hospital chain, and many highly experienced doctors in various fields from Nigeria, UK and USA… Audience-Panel, Audience-Audience commentary and interaction should’ve been more liberal. A standing microphone mid-room and strong marshaling from the moderators would have livened and enlightened all attendees.

These constraints aside, the duo of Drs Gana (First MANSAG President) and Nwabinelli moderated both sessions quite capably. The Conference title did not indicate whether Africa or Nigeria was the theme focus, and, perhaps because of time constraints, the Meeting did not address all 8 MDGs effectively as stated in the theme.

However, Prof Dilly Anumba delivered a vibrant summary with an overview of all 8 MDGs and a detailed insight into the goals, objectives and work of MANSAG, having been a former President.

The Gala dinner was delicious, distinguished and delectable. Mrs Agoh, to my surprise, would pass anywhere for a professional stand-up comedian. She had us all in stitches and tears of laughter.

Even our typically reserved NMA President, in regal flowing Agbada rocked the dance floor to Fela’s afrobeat, with Madam in step.

So its goodbye Cardiff………

MANSAG may wish to consider opening its membership to Nigerian doctors outside Great Britain. Such affiliated members would generate (discounted) revenue and widen participation.

The Association should ensure a more aggressive targeted solicitation for attendance by its members. With over 3500 licensed in the UK alone, this meeting could and should have been better attended.

MANSAG, to more effectively meet its objectives in the Nigerian Health sector, should consider the appointment of representatives in Nigeria, and perhaps also the publication of a medical journal.

Finally, many health sector demands need legislation. A member of the Federal House could’ve been invited; perhaps the Honorable Mrs Dabiri for Diaspora, the Speaker, Honorable Tambuwal or the Minority Leader, Honorable Gbajabiamilla. Such high profile attendance from the Legislature will pay dividends later.

All in all “Well done MANSAG……and hello Birmingham 2015!”