Akwa Ibom NMA urges more medical schools to tackle doctor shortage
The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association has raised concerns over a shortage of medical personnel in the state. Prof. Aniekan Peter, the association’s chairman, called on the government to establish more medical training institutions to address this gap. He praised Governor Umo Eno for approving a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University but stressed that more needs to be done. The NMA believes increasing medical schools will help improve healthcare access and opportunities for aspiring medical professionals in the state.
Highlights
- Prof. Aniekan Peter highlighted the inability to fill approved positions for doctors and nurses, citing a persistent workforce gap.
- The NMA called for at least seven medical training institutions to be established in Akwa Ibom to address the shortage.
- Governor Umo Eno was commended for approving a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University, but the NMA said this is only a partial solution.
- The association suggested that existing hospitals and infrastructure could be upgraded into medical training institutions.
- The NMA emphasized that medical education should be seen as an investment to strengthen the state’s healthcare system.
