Ekumankama also asserted that the federal government, in the last three years, has released 100 percent of the health budget to his ministry
By Kehinde Okeowo
Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama, has appealed to doctors and nurses in the country to stay back in Nigeria and help the government in rebuilding the health sector.
He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to revitalising the sector, claiming measures are being taken to address the brain drain currently prevalent in the country.
Ekumankama made the plea and the assurance while speaking with reporters on Monday, August 22, at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, Lagos.
He has gone there to launch the Orthopedic and Trauma Centre, Molecular Building Complex, Oxygen gas plant, Clinical Training Centre, and Ultra-Modern Theatre.
ALSO READ: 137 Directors fail Unity School Principals’ exam
According to NAN, Ekumankama, while inaugurating the centre, acknowledged that there is mass relocation among the health workers in the country, he also admitted the trend is worrisome.
He said, “The greatest challenge facing the sector presently is the doctors and nurses leaving the country”
The minister went further to beg the health workers to remain in Nigeria and help the government, as it tries to restore the lost glory of the health sector.
He pointed to the project he came to inaugurate, as evidence of President Buhari’s sincere commitment to the upgrade and improvement of the health infrastructures all over the country.
“As a sacrifice, I encourage them to stay back and help us revitalize the health sector. We have witnessed that today with what is on ground in this hospital,” Ekumankama added.
He also asserted that the federal government, in its bid to make health delivery better in Nigeria, has in the last three years, released 100 percent of the health budget.
