A cross section of the new medical doctors takng the Hippocratic Oath during the induction ceremony
By Okpokpo Okhumode, Auchi
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has inducted two sets of 26 newly qualified Bachelor of Medicine ( MB) and Bachelor of Surgery ( MS) Medical doctors at the Edo State University Uzairue.
Performing the induction and oath taking ceremony of the 2022/2023 set, the Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. T.A.B Sanusi advised the newly inducted doctors to take their profession very serious as they can not live the life of their own.
The registrar who was represented by the Deputy Registrar, Dr. Anthony Nwakama said the MDCN is a statutory body responsible for the regulation of licensed and alternative medicine adding that part of the mandate of the Council is to determine the knowledge and skills of people who will be admitted into the Nigeria Medical register.
He therefore appealed to government and other stakeholders to do whatever it takes to develop the university”s teaching hospital to mark the growth, noting that the university is the first to own anatomage table for the teaching of medical students in Nigeria.
“In attending to your patient, you must not allow biases of race, religion, ethnicity, gender and political ideology to interfere with your medical decisions, a doctor is expected to epitomized integrity at all times, infamous acts such as drunkenness, fraud, sexual misconduct and other criminal vices must not be associated with you as you pledged to abide by the rules and regulations of the Council”.
The registrar however thanked the state government for the support and approval of the Auchi General Hospital to Edo State University Uzairue Teaching Hospital which the council have accredited for housemanship for young doctors.
Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Engr. Prof Emmanuel Aluyor said the event marked a significant milestone in the history of education in Nigeria.
Prof Aluyor expressed appreciation to the state governor for the support given to the medical college and the upgrade of the general hospital, Auchi to Edo state university teaching hospital Uzairue which enables the university graduate her first set of Medical students and now second set.
The VC also appreciated the registrar of the Council for his continuous support for the medical college saying that the MDCN has been to the university several times this year to grant full accreditation to the MBBS programme and also granted permission to commence Houseman ship at the teaching hospital.
He said the MDCN has also granted increase in quota for students’ admission which has truly demonstrated good partnership for progress with the university.
“The white coat that adorns your shoulders today is not just a garment, it carries with it immense responsibility, trust, and the power to heal”.
“As you take the Hippocratic oath, let it be a constant reminder of the pledge you make to serve humanity selflessly as profession is not just a career choice, it is a calling that demands compassion, empathy and humility”.
Delivery the lecture titled “Violence Against Healthcare Workers:The Role of the World Medical Association” by Dr. Osahon Enabulele, immediate past President, World Medical Association (WMA), said despite the critical roles and importance in society, physicians and other members of the health workforce are still subjected to acts of violence which undermined Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
He however suggested that government should adopt zero tolerance policy and protective legislation to stop violence and safe guard the rights of HCWs and provision of decent pay and decent working condition, secured and safe workplace for HCWs
Also speaking, the Ag Provost College of Medical Sciences, Dr. Kenneth Atoe advised the inductees to be good ambassador of the medical profession and to continue to keep the flag flying.
Highpoint of the ceremony was oath taking, presentation of certificates and award to the best graduating students and goodwill messages from notable Nigerians.
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