By Hosanna Eseose
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called for increased investment in specialist medical training, modern healthcare infrastructure and emerging technologies to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen medical institutions in the territory.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, made the call on Tuesday while addressing the 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General and Scientific Meetings of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Mahmoud reaffirmed the commitment of the FCTA, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, to strengthening healthcare services and ensuring that residents have access to quality medical care.
She said a functional healthcare system was essential to economic productivity, social welfare and sustainable development, stressing the need for governments and relevant stakeholders to prioritise investment in the sector.
In her words, “A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being and sustainable national development.”
The minister urged stakeholders to invest in medical education, specialist training, scientific research and modern healthcare infrastructure while improving the welfare of healthcare professionals.
She also advocated expanded mentorship and professional development opportunities for young physicians to strengthen the medical workforce and prepare emerging practitioners to address evolving healthcare challenges.
Mahmoud noted that physicians played roles beyond treating illnesses, highlighting their contributions to disease prevention, medical research, public health education and the development of evidence-based healthcare policies.
She further encouraged the West African College of Physicians to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance clinical decision-making and improve healthcare delivery.
The minister described the college’s 50th anniversary as a significant milestone in West Africa’s medical history, commending its contributions to specialist training, scientific research, professional development and excellence in clinical practice.
She also praised the college’s leadership, fellows, members and partners for sustaining the vision of its founders and promoting professional collaboration across the region.
Mahmoud commended the Central Organising Committee, led by Dr Akin Moses, for organising the anniversary celebration and scientific meeting in Abuja.
In his remarks, WACP President, Dr Mourtalla Ka, called for stronger postgraduate medical education, increased scientific research and enhanced regional collaboration to address emerging healthcare challenges across West Africa.
Ka said the college had trained and certified thousands of specialist physicians over the past five decades, contributing to clinical practice, medical education, scientific research and health leadership.
He also stressed the importance of embracing advances in medical science and technology while maintaining professional standards and the human values central to medical practice.
The WACP president urged the college to strengthen support for younger fellows and trainees, expressing hope that the golden jubilee would renew its commitment to medical excellence and improved healthcare delivery across the region.
