For a greater collaboration among healthcare workers that would culminate in best patient-oriented care, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, minister of state for health has called on major players and stakeholders in the healthcare industry to work together in unity.
The minister made this statement during his first public appearance at the 5th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo 2019, jointly organised by Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN) and GPE Expo PVT on 28 August 2019.
While describing doctors, pharmacists, nurses, lab scientists and medical students as ‘labourers in the vineyard of health sector’ Mamora, a former speaker in the House of Assembly, declared that the bane of the health sector is due to the inter and intra-professional rivalry.
“This unnecessary rivalry weighs us down and can do the patients no good. I think we need to downplay that.
“This is why I said that all health professionals regardless of your status – whether you are doctors, pharmacists, nurses, lab scientists or medical students, we must have to work together in unity of purpose,” he charged.
The minister of state for health noted that there are five key enablers to note if health professionals are genuinely serious about building relationship.
“I call them five Cs. They are what I have been advocating all my years in legislature. They are Cooperation, Collaboration, Coordination, Consultation and Cordiality.
“These are what we need to turn around our health sector and it will, in turn, lead to respect and mutual understanding. Therefore if you are not taking anything home from me today, please take that one!” he pleaded.
Among dignitaries who graced the expo were Dr Okey Akpa, immediate past president, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Prof. Stanley Okolo, director general, West African Health Organization (WAHO); Mr Shameem Ahsan, high commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria; Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, director general, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Pharm. Ejiro Foyibo, representative of PSN president; Pharm. Kunle Oyelana, managing director, GSK Nigeria Plc. And Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, immediate past president, PSN.
Others were Paresh Jhurmarvala, chief executive officer, GPE Expo PVT Limited; Dr Obi Adigwe, director general, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD); Pharm. Olakunle Ekundayo, managing director, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals; Pharm. (Mrs) Ariz Madukwe, managing director, Boucia Limited; Dr Monica Eimunjeze, director, registration & regulatory affairs, NAFDAC; Varkey Verghese, managing director, Jawa Pharmaceuticals and Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, managing director, Pharmanews Limited.
