…Dr. Blessing Chukwukelu Emerges National President
By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The members of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) on Saturday, November 23, concluded their 27th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, with universal health coverage topping the agenda. The three-day conference which held at the Primetime Colosseum, Owerri, also witnessed the induction of new members and the election of Dr. Blessing Chukwukelu as the new national president.
Declaring the event open, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, represented by his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, lauded SOFPON for choosing the state, calling the theme timely in addressing several health challenges, coupled with economic hardships in the country as well as the brain drain (Japa syndrome). She extolled SOFPON members for their professionalism, calling for synergy towards achieving universal health coverage to which Imo State government is compliant through the Imo State Health Insurance Agency.
Similarly, the Chairman of the ceremony and the Chairman, Imo Elders Council/Co-Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, expressed delight for the SOFPON Owerri Conference, stressing the importance of family physicians to the well-being of Nigerians. He added that the event would strengthen the society’s untiring efforts towards achieving a healthier nation, as he wished them the best of deliberations.
In his address, the outgoing National President of SOFPON, Prof. Musa Dankyau, while welcoming members, disclosed that the event had gathered ” family physicians across Nigeria to share knowledge, advance skills and to strengthen ties.” He added that the theme: “Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: the Role of A Family Physician” aligned with SOFPON goals, with a challenge for members to embrace innovations, advocacy for patients and provision of leadership as family physicians.
Prof. Dankyau, encouraged members to use the event as an avenue of celebrating their shared commitment to excellent patient care through dedication, resilience and compassion, urging them also to use the conference to inspire one another, exchange views on best practice and to renew their dedication to the SOFPON’s mission. “Together, let us continue to shape a future where family medicine stands at the forefront of a healthier Nigeria. Let us all say ‘Universal Health: One family at a time,” he expressed.
In his own speech, the Imo State Chairman of SOFPON, Dr. Emeka Uwah, hailed the conference as being timely in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system and the challenges of non-communicable diseases, while striving towards a healthier nation. He described family physicians as important stakeholders in primary healthcare delivery, adding that the conference would strengthen the capacities of members to contribute more towards achieving universal health coverage in the country.
While the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, Dr. Jideuma Egwim, averred: “As we come together to explore pathways towards universal health coverage, we recognize the pivotal role that family physicians play in delivering accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare. We are uniquely positioned to drive this transformative journey, ensuring that healthcare reaches every Nigerian, regardless of location, socioeconomic status, or health condition,” he noted and urged all to make it memorable.
Delivering the conference lecture, the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Paul Dienye of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port-Harcourt, emphasized the importance of good health as an enabler of other pursuits. He added that Universal Health Coverage, encompassing prevention, promotion, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care “means that individuals and communities receive the healthcare services they need without suffering financial hardships.” But he regretted that implementation is far from being achieved in Nigeria.
Prof Dienye, however, submitted that family physicians as comprehensive, continuous, person-centered and community- oriented healthcare providers have roles to play towards attaining Universal Health Coverage in the country. He said that this would be “by delivering accessible, equitable and integrated care to help ensure that all individuals receive the healthcare they need, when they need it without financial constraints.”
While the Andrew Pearson Lecturer, Dr. Nnadozie Obiegbu, encouraged SOFPON members to be united, while caring for one another. He disclosed that the Andrew Pearson lecture with the theme: “The Universality of the Brotherhood” underscored the benefits of togetherness which among other things, provides shield, support, strength and solace for members. Urging SOFPON members to emulate Andrew Pearson’s love for humanity, Dr. Obiegbu, called for equity, good leadership and inclusivity for the association to move forward.
Speaking with our reporter on the sidelines, Dr. Achiaka Irabor, from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, hinted that family physicians are medical practitioners with specialized training in designated institutions, including National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the West African College of Physicians. She added that broader knowledge which members acquire, helps them to engage the patients multidimensionally in order to achieve the best outcomes.
The event which witnessed various discussions and lectures, was attended by many dignitaries, including, a former Minister of State, Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Barrister Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe, Prince Lemmy Akakem, Rt. Hon. Chuma Nnaji among others. It concluded with the election of new national officers as well a closing dinner among other musical entertainments. Those inducted included: Fellows, Senior Registrars and Diplomates.
