The Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, CFR, had expressed worry over the increasing incident of brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector.
Iguobaro Osaigbovo, Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin Oba Ewuare, quoted the king as having expressed the concern when the Management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Benin City on Monday.
He predicted that if the push and pull factors behind menace are not urgently addressed, it could get to a freezing point whereby universal health coverage – access to quality health services, become a mirage.
The traditional ruler who spoke in Edo Language, said, “There is something that is of great concern to us. Most medical personnel are leaving their Country in droves, especially the best brains amongst you. So, how do you cope, sustain the so-called pin hole surgeries and other breakthroughs in hospitals?
“Most of the highly trained people have gone to Saudi Arabia, Dubai and other Countries abroad. I expect you to talk about the causes and if these trends can be reversed. Let us know if we can be of assistance.
“Why are our doctors after acquiring the necessary training here (Nigeria), leave? And we are watching. They (health workers) are complaining that they are not well paid and that there is poor conditions of service”, Oba Ewuare II queried.
The Benin monarch who enjoined health workers to be patriotic, however pledged his support for the Management of team UBTH, ahead of its golden jubilee Celebration.
Oba Ewuare II, prayed for the Management of the hospital for wisdom in piloting its affairs to achieve industrial harmony.
Continuing, the Oba queried, “You spoke as if everything is well in UBTH and like you do not need help. So, why are your people leaving?.
“I understand that incessant strikes are no longer frequent. We thank God and our ancestors. We have not also recorded cases of kidnappings of health workers and staff. We thank God for them”, he declared.
