The Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM, on Tuesday inducted the 19th set of graduating medical doctors and the 9th set of dental surgeons of the college, urging them not to leave the country.
The inductees were made up of 77 doctors and 10 dentists who bagged Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MBBS, and Bachelor of Dental Surgery, BDS.
The Provost of the college, Olufemi Idowu commended the inductees for undergoing years of rigorous medical training and urged them to be guided by compassion and empathy in their career.
“We celebrate a journey that began with hope. You have spent years in the classroom and laboratories. To parents we appreciate your sacrifices and prayers. Your stethoscope is more than a medical instrument. Let your knowledge be guided by humanity and compassion,” he urged.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule represented by the
Permanent Secretary, Adeniran Kasali urged the inductees not to abandon the state and the country by not relocating to foreign country.
“ Every doctor and dentist being inducted reflects our investments in healthcare delivery. The government is committed to improving infrastructure at LASUCOM. The temptation to leave the country for foreign land is understandable but reflects on resources your family and Lagos State has spent on your training. You are the returns on our investment so shun the temptation to leave.
The challenges are real so also the need to help your nation. The state is working hard to improve the welfare of our health workers. We value you . Be compassionate. Lagos State awaits your service,” the commissioner urged.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described LASUTH as one of the best teaching hospitals adding that Lagos is experiencing shortage of doctors with one doctor to 5,000 patients.
“ We are set to start producing a lot of you. We need to produce a lot of you, we have expanded LASUCOM and are building health facilities. Lagos is set to become the number one destination for medical professionals,” Abayomi said.
In her message,the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, LASU Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by Professor Adenike Boyo, also appealed to the inductees not to seek greener pastures noting that the country needs them at this time.
“The idea of staying back home might not be appealing but I urge you not to hasten to look for greener pastures. Your country also needs you. You have been trained on one of the best colleges of medicines in Nigeria so you have no excuse not to succeed
The Chief Medical Director, LAASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabanwo represented by Prof. Adebowale Adekoya equally urged the inductees to treat every patient with empathy.
“When you are treating patients, you have to show empathy, communicate with them and document everything you are doing. Respect your colleagues. You are going to the world, do the best you can to help the country,” he counseled.