By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

A medical expert, Professor Joel Akinosi, has disclosed that poor planning and wrong policies are the reasons medical professionals are running abroad to practice.

Speaking at the 11th Biennial Scientific Conference and General meeting of the Nigeria Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, NAOMS, in Ile-Ife, at the weekend, he stressed the need for reforms towards retaining skilled professionals within the country.

He said, “It is unfortunate that many of us are leaving the country, and the fault is everywhere, the fault is not in those who are leaving, it in those who are governing the country.

“Let us provide what they are providing for them abroard, Nigeria has the resources to provide comfort for them here, if every doctor can feed himself, pay for children school fees, they won’t travel out of the country. They go because they can’t build a house, they can’t buy a car without borrowing and once they travel out, their three months salary abroad will buy them a house here in Nigeria. Nigeria has more resources than this country they are going.”

He however, urged Nigerian healthcare professionals to uphold their duty of care despite the challenges they face. “We must not worsen the plight of our patients. Transparency and follow-ups are critical in ensuring patient trust and recovery,” Akinosi added.

Meanwhile, Chairperson, AOCMF International Board, Professor Amir Elbarbary, while speaking on “Integrating technologies in cranio maxillofacial surgery in low and middle income countries: past, present and future”, said that the emergence of technology in surgeries can help in reducing complications and risks in operations.

According to him, when technology is properly utilizes, emerging technologies are used to increase precision, improve time efficiency, ensure immediate quality control, reduce operatives complication risks and increase safety.

Earlier, the President, NAOMS, Professor Olawunmi Fatusi, called for collaboration between the association and the government, to collectively chart a pathway towards brighter future for oral health in the country.