BY EVELYN ZORZOR
The need has been emphasized for medical personnel to take their health seriously to avoid the rising cases of sudden death among health professionals.
The emphasis was made by experts and participants during the scientific conference organized by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Asaba Zone at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, as part of activities to mark their 2025 Annual General Meeting .
The theme speaker for the day, Dr. Frederick Aigbe, a consultant cardiologist at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara harped on the need for health professionals to first take care of their health.
Exposing the theme, “Protecting the Guardians of Health: Breaking the Silence of Sudden Death Among Health Professionals”, Dr. Aigbe advised that if the guardians of health are not fit, then patients are at risk.
He encouraged doctors and indeed every health practitioner to imbibe the culture of genuinely going on leave and taking time to rest, debrief and recuperate in other to serve the patients better.
The sub theme speaker, Dr Anthony Enebe, a consultant psychiatrist at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba spoke on “Mental Health and Well being of Doctors: A Neglected Priority”.
Both lectures focused on the physical, emotional, financial and occupational pressures faced by medical personnel, and the need for deliberate action to safeguard their wellbeing.
The state commissioner for health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme was represented by Dr Anthony Uwaje and in his remarks, he commended the association, hinting that the theme of the lecture was very apt, considering the realities on ground.
The chairman, NMA Asaba Zone, Dr Anthony Ossai in his address, called for unity and shared purposefulness among members of the association.
According to him, their unity and cooperation would help them achieve their collective goals as medical practitioners.
The scientific conference saw in attendance renowned and senior health practioners including the Chief Medical Director, FMC Asaba, Dr Omo Ekenaem represented by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr James Ibuaku as well as the Chief Medical Director, Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Peace Ighosewe.
Others include the Medical Director, Christian Medical Hospital, Asaba, Dr. Daniel Omodon who was also the chairman of the occasion and the State NMA Chairman, Dr. Israel Adaigho.
Also in attendance was the member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu.
