The Federal Capital Territory Administration has pledged stronger support for medical institutions, specialist training and healthcare delivery, as it called for increased investment in medical education, research and modern healthcare infrastructure.
The Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, gave the assurance while delivering her goodwill message at the 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General and Scientific Meetings of the West African College of Physicians, WACP, in Abuja.
Mahmoud reaffirmed the commitment of the FCTA, under the leadership of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services.
In a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, Mahmoud described the College’s golden jubilee as a significant milestone in West Africa’s medical history, commending its contributions to specialist medical training, scientific research and professional development over the past five decades.
She said a strong healthcare system was essential to sustainable development, noting that the health of a population directly affected economic productivity, social well-being and regional prosperity.
In her words, “A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being and sustainable national development.”
The minister called on governments and relevant stakeholders to prioritise investment in medical education, specialist training, scientific research, modern healthcare infrastructure and the welfare of healthcare professionals.
She also advocated expanded mentorship and professional development opportunities for young physicians, saying such support would help strengthen the region’s medical workforce.
Mahmoud noted that physicians had responsibilities beyond treating illnesses, including disease prevention, medical research, public health education and the development of evidence-based healthcare policies.
She further encouraged the College to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery.
The minister commended the WACP leadership, Fellows, members and partners for sustaining the vision of the College’s founding fathers and providing a platform for scientific exchange, professional collaboration and solutions to shared healthcare challenges.
She also praised the Central Organising Committee, led by Dr. Akin Moses, for organising the anniversary celebration and scientific meeting in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, WACP President, Dr. Mourtalla Ka, called for stronger postgraduate medical education, increased scientific research and greater 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 across the region.
He paid tribute to the institution’s founding fathers, past presidents, senior Fellows, teachers and mentors whose dedication had sustained its legacy.
The WACP president also stressed the need to embrace advances in medical science and technology while maintaining professional standards and the human values central to medical practice.
He urged the College to strengthen support for younger Fellows and trainees, adding that the golden jubilee should serve as an opportunity to renew its commitment to medical excellence and improved healthcare delivery.
