Significant Disparity in Doctor Production
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Prof Ahmed Ahidjo, recently highlighted a stark contrast in the number of doctors produced annually between the North East and South West regions of Nigeria. According to Prof Ahidjo, while the South West region boasts an impressive production of 1,200 doctors each year, the North East region struggles to produce more than 250 doctors annually. This significant gap in doctor production has raised concerns about the healthcare workforce shortage in the North East, particularly in Borno State.
Urgent Need for a Teaching Hospital
Prof Ahidjo emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of a teaching hospital in Borno State to address the healthcare challenges faced by the region. He pointed out that the presence of a specialist hospital alone is not sufficient to meet the healthcare needs of the state. By establishing a teaching hospital, the state can increase its capacity to produce more doctors locally and bridge the gap with other regions in the country.
Economic and Healthcare Impact
The Chief Medical Director commended the state government for prioritizing the establishment of a teaching hospital, recognizing it as a crucial step towards improving the economic and healthcare landscape of the state. He highlighted the positive impact that the teaching hospital would have on the lives of millions of people in Borno State, emphasizing the importance of investing in healthcare as a pillar of economic and educational development.
Prioritizing Healthcare Budget
Prof Ahidjo also praised the state government for allocating a significant portion of the budget to healthcare, with over 15% of the total budget dedicated to health services. He stressed the importance of prioritizing healthcare funding as a means to drive economic growth and educational advancement in the state. By investing in healthcare, the state can improve the overall well-being of its residents and create a sustainable healthcare system for the future.
