Akwa Ibom Online: "There is an impending crumble of our health sector because there is no forum for training. The masses are suffering."

In this exclusive interview with Akwa Ibom Online, Dr. Stanley Ukpai, a Medical Doctor with the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo bares his mind on the recent face-off between the Federal Government and Medical Doctors.

Excerpts:

Akwa Ibom Online:
Some days ago, precisely on the 13th of August, 2014, Nigerians were stunned on the announcement of the suspension of Residency Training in Nigeria. What's your take on this suspension?

Dr. Stanley:
An impending crumble of our health sector because there is no forum for training. Only this govt offers money to militants and expels it's doctors. Laughs

Akwa Ibom Online:
Have you seen the NARD's update?

Dr. Stanley:
The call for doctors not to apply for Locum, Yes. We will see how this all plays out.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Is the idea of the Locum a very bad one?

Dr. Stanley:
It's not an efficient one. You see for residency, you have to write exams. It is purely academical and for people to move forward with their knowledge in medicine. So you have to keep updating yourself. Locum is about the willingness and availability to serve irrespective of your knowledge base.
Residency is a worldwide phenomena for training doctors. It's not Civil Service where your length of stay is basis for promotion which is what Locum will start using, as nurses do. For residency as you acquire length of stay, you prove your worth with residency exams per stage. So it serves as a scrutiny body to weed out quackery. Like Locum now, if I get connected I could get employed over my boss who is more academically advanced. We cannot be going bckwards in Nigeria. Where we are is still too far behind to be doing this.

Akwa Ibom Online:
So, will you say the doctors are right in their action?

Dr. Stanley:
Well, no and yes. Yes because strike is the action government understands. It's little money we asking for and if they (government) are skipping, they should skip accross all boards and the CMD sacredness.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Why No?

Dr. Stanley:
No Because the masses suffer. And this period shows.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Why can't the doctors put the oath the swore to first and foremost?

Dr. Stanley:
Well they did a lot of time that the oath now has been used against them. The doctors will not treat someone all the time and go home hungry to his family or treat someone with Ebola, catch it then dies and his family has nothing. It is just job security commensurate with service given that we need.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Do you think the action taken by government was the wish of the President or that of the Honourable Minister?

Dr. Stanley:
Either or both. We have lost faith in both.

Akwa Ibom Online:
As the letter reads, "Mr. President has approved the suspension...." it means that it was a request by someone (Minister of Health in this case)...

Dr. Stanley:
True. But the President is not supposed to be a rubber stamp. He is supposed to analyze and ponder not just do without consideration.

Akwa Ibom Online:
He is a very busy man. Flesh and blood working on advises given to him and in this case, considering the fact that the Honorable Minister is also from the Medical field...

Dr. Stanley:
Well I see that point, but how can you sack doctors in the middle of a health scare? The doctors in those areas where there is health-scare are still working. The doctors in Boko Haram areas are still working. Just the areas in no apparent dangers are on strike.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Are you saying the strike isn't a complete nationwide strike?

Dr. Stanley:
There can never be a complete nationwide strike.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Well, most Nigerians thought it was a complete nationwide strike action.

Dr. Stanley:
Missionary hospitals are still working. Private hospitals are still working. Problematic regions are still on. Just Federal hospitals that are crippled. If it were a complete shutdown, you would know someone that died in these past few weeks. That is complete.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Someone or the number?

Dr. Stanley:
Someone and the number.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Thank you very much Dr. Stanley. But before I let you go, one last one. If given the opportunity, what will you advise the President to do in this impasse in the health sector.

Dr. Stanley:
Well that is a tough one. This is now hydra-headed. I'd ask that he goes back to the original model he had for the health sector that has to be unbiased and honest. Or he enquire from nations that have gotten it done. As medicine teaches, if you don't know, ask.

Akwa Ibom Online:
Thank you.

Dr. Stanley:
Always a pleasure

Join our Online Community by liking our Facebook page: Akwa Ibom Online

Visit www.akwaibomonline.com