Akwa Ibom NMA Calls for More Medical Schools Amid Shortage

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has raised alarms regarding the shortage of medical personnel in the state. During a briefing in Uyo on Tuesday, as part of the association's Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Chairman Prof. Aniekan Peter urged the state government to establish at least seven medical training institutions to mitigate the growing workforce gap.

He highlighted that the state has consistently failed to meet its employment targets for medical workers, citing that despite Governor Umo Eno approving employment for 400 doctors, they could not be filled. Peter emphasized the need for the state to view medical education as an investment rather than a burden.

While he commended the governor for approving a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University, he noted that this was insufficient compared to other states like Delta, which have multiple medical training institutions. He argued that existing infrastructure could be upgraded to serve as medical training institutions.