wenty plus years ago, eight Nigerian doctors in London began a series of meetings at the Nigeria High Commission in London, thereby birthing an organization called the Nigerian Medical Forum (NMF).
NMF was to be the platform over which the (then) 2000 or so Nigerian doctors in the UK would address health and medical concerns back home in Nigeria as well as advocate for each other.
Mr Akin Idowu, a Consultant in Emergency Medicine was elected founding President; other founders were Mr Abba Gana and Mr Menakaya whose Uncle later became a Federal Health Minister under the Obasanjo regime. I was elected NMFs founding first Public Relations Officer.
Membership grew fast. We shared dreams and objectives of delivering services, equipment and training for a better health sector back home.
A few years after I relocated to the USA where Ive remained most of the last fifteen years before returning to Nigeria.
Cue MANSAG……
Formed in 1997, the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain, took the baton from NMF, and have run far ahead with it.
Having watched their activities from across the Ocean for many years, I attended their 2014 Annual Conference held at the Mercure Hotel in Cardiff, Wales the weekend of October 25th.
The theme was: “Collaboration and Innovation in Achieving the Millennium Developing Goals (MDGs)”. The choice of venue and hotel was excellent. After over 40 years in the UK, and many Welsh friends, I had never been to Wales.
Dr Andrew Feyi-Waboso, a Consultant Ophthalmologist whose passion has led many missions to Nigeria, Chaired an excellent Local Organising Committee comprised mainly of his wife and children! Special Guests were :
The Minister of State of the Federal Ministry of Health who, days to the event, became Honorable Minister, following Prof Chukwu’s exit for gubernatorial ambitions.
With new responsibilities thrust upon him, Dr Alhassan was unable to attend and was ably represented by Dr Mrs Olowu, whom Ive met at various Nigerian medical diaspora activities both in the UK and USA. She, as always, gave a good account of Federal Health Ministry’s activities and its limitations by needed legislative authorisation.
the very respected President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Kayode Obembe attended with his lovely wife.
Dr Remi Odulana-Ogundimu, President of the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD).
Dr Nkem Chukwumerije, President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, was absent.
Dr Ugo Okoli, Project Director Sure-P Programme
The Conference opened with the Anthems of Nigeria and Wales. I didnt realise that of Wales was much longer than ours, but our anthem does sound very majestic sometimes! I hold it dearly. Welcoming words followed from the LOC Chair and the MANSAG President Mr Jacob Akoh.
Mrs Uzo Iwobi OBE inspired the audience with her experience overcoming race, gender and linguistic prejudice as a young lawyer coming to the UK. Remarks from CANPAD and Dr Mrs Olowu representing the Federal Ministry of Health were well received.
Ms Yaina Samuels drew commendation for her own successful battle with drug abuse and of “Solution” or “Suck and Die” …an addictive, and ultimately lethal stimulant prevalent in Kano, Abuja and Lagos.
Many were not aware that such substance abuse remains a major stumbling block to the access and availability of strong opioid pain medicines for the treatment of cancer and non cancer pain in Nigeria!
Applications, representations to and discussions with NAFDAC are yet to yield positive news for Nigerians. I intimated the FMOH and our NMA President of this. I hope, with the additional support of MANSAG, CANPAD and ANPA, Nigerians will eventually enjoy their RIGHT of access to adequate Pain medications!
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