AMSN ready to tackle various health challenges in Nigeria — Ashiru

By Rachael Oyelola

The newly inducted president, Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (AMSN), Professor Oladapo Adenrele Ashiru has revealed the Association’s readiness to fight against various health challenges battling with Nigeria.

He stated this at the inauguration and induction ceremony of honorary, Emeritus and foundation fellows of the AMSN.

The body was incorporated in June 2019 as a non-profit organization that works outside of government to provide objective, advice on medical matters, conduct education and research, provide medical care and public health.

All these are premised on a mission to enhance the well-being of Nigerians through the promotion of medical education and research, medical care and public health.

However, the newly inducted President of the organization, Professor Oladapo Adenrele Ashiru  emphasised the greatness of a nation depends on its ability to harness its human capital resources in various fields to solve its developmental needs and challenges adequately.

He said the the AMSN is poised to provide such help for  Nigeria. And as soon as the nomination commenced the academy must hit the ground running to face the country’s pressing health challenges and promised to challenge the academy to do more special activities during this pandemic.

Still on his speech, he said the academy would succeed with the help of its four sections and several committees.

He said, “The section of Basic Medical Sciences chaired by professor Eni- Ojo Atawodi shall among other strategic objectives, be involved in contributing to the policy development that will encourage cutting-edge research in biomedical sciences as well their translation into medical practices in a way that would significantly impact on health care delivery in Nigeria and other countries, especially in the tropics.

“The dental section, Chaired by Professor Onatolu Odukoya will organize periodic public lectures at least two a year. The section will organize training on conducting impactful research and attracting research grants in dental sciences. The audience will include the academic staff and postgraduate students of higher institutions.

“The non communicable disease committees(NCDC) chaired by professor Akin Osibogun would integrate and support the above initiatives to support the various sections.

“The same goes for the Research and Ethics committees chaired by professor Christian Happi and the Advocacy Committee chaired by professor Adenola Olayinka.

“In addition, we intend to constitute the committees on Education and Funding. The academy would utilize the input from the sections and the committees to achieve its various set-out objectives.”

Concluding his speech, he said, “the AMSN is ready to be a think-tank for the country and Sub-Sahara  region on the various health challenges and health development,” adding, “there’s no doubt that Nigeria is blessed with a highly skilled medical workforce whose services currently sustain the health provision of different nations, including the developed countries.”

On his part the chairman of the Inauguration Committee, Professor Osagie (OON, FAMeds) in his welcoming speech, thanked those at the ceremony for complying with COVID-19 protocols.