WACP Urges Healthcare Reforms Amid Brain Drain Crisis

The West African College of Physicians (WACP) has issued a call for urgent reforms in Nigeria's healthcare system, highlighting that persistent underfunding and poor welfare for health workers are driving a brain drain that undermines the country's capacity to deliver quality healthcare. During a press conference to announce the college's 50th Annual General Scientific Conference (AGSC), Professor Benjamin S.C.

Uzochukwu, the chairman of the Nigerian chapter, emphasized the need for a healthcare system that retains professionals by improving working conditions and remuneration. He noted that Nigeria spends less than six percent of its national budget on health, far below the recommended 15 percent.

The conference, themed "Building Bridges: Supporting Resilient Partnerships in Health," aims to gather 400 members to discuss emerging challenges in healthcare delivery and the importance of local manufacturing of essential medicines and vaccines. The WACP will also conduct a free medical outreach targeting 500 residents in the Kasumu Adio community, providing screenings and treatments for various health conditions.