Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for the adoption of modern medical disciplines such as biomedical engineering and emergency medicine to address the ongoing brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Ministerial Monitoring Committee on High-Impact Intervention in Medical Sciences at Government House, Yenagoa, on Thursday, Diri emphasized the need for innovative approaches to retain medical professionals.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Diri criticized Nigeria’s “traditional” medical practices and urged stakeholders to prioritize advanced training and infrastructure upgrades.
He argued that these measures could deter skilled professionals from seeking opportunities abroad while improving healthcare delivery.
“We must embrace new fields like biomedical engineering to maintain critical equipment like CT scans and MRIs, and emergency medicine to enhance patient care,” Diri said.
“With the right political will, we can achieve significant progress.”
Diri reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in health and education to raise living standards.
He thanked the Minister of Education and TETFUND’s Executive Secretary for their intervention at Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) and pledged collaboration to bolster infrastructure across the state’s tertiary institutions.
Professor Saad Ahmed, Chief Medical Director at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, and leader of the TETFUND delegation, said the federal government’s initiative aims to counter healthcare worker emigration by increasing manpower production.
He disclosed that funds have been allocated to 18 medical schools nationwide to enhance facilities for medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy, with plans for additional funding for student hostels.
The TETFUND team included Mr. Y.M. Ashuru, Director of Physical Infrastructure, and Dr. Yusuf Gamawa, Deputy Director.
They were accompanied by BMU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Dimie Ogoina, and other university officials.
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