Oba Of Benin Decries Brain Drain In Health Sector

The Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin said the brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, is worrisome.

Oba Ewuare made this known when the management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Benin City.

He predicted that if the push and pull factors behind it are not urgently addressed, it could get to a point whereby access to quality health services, becomes a mirage.

The traditional ruler who spoke in Edo Language, said, “There is something that is of great concern to us. Most medical personnel are leaving their country in droves, especially the best brains amongst you. So, how do your cope, sustain the so-called pin hole surgeries and other breakthroughs in hospitals?

“Most of the highly trained people have gone to Saudi Arabia, Dubai and other countries abroad. I expect you to talk about the causes and these trends can be reversed. Let us know if we can be of assistance.

“Why are our doctors after acquiring the necessary training here (Nigeria), leave? And we are watching. They (health workers) are complaining that they are not well paid and that there are poor conditions of service,” Oba Ewuare II queried.

The Benin monarch enjoined health workers to be patriotic, and pledged his support to the management of UBTH, ahead of its golden jubilee celebration.

Oba Ewuare II prayed for the management of the hospital for wisdom in piloting its affairs and for industrial harmony.