Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has charged medical workers in the State to hold on to the Hippocratic oath they swore to at the commencement of their practice; saying that they must not be distracted in their duty to save lives.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti at the Award Night of the Ekiti State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Governor said the oath is a contract that should be diligently observed since the profession touches mankind irrespective of race, religion and status, and practitioners are expected to demonstrate compassion and sacrifice in the discharge of their duties.
Dr. Fayemi who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser to the Governor’s office, Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae added that there is an inseparable connection between the creed of the medical profession and the mission of his administration which is targeted at eradicating poverty; adding that the most virulent strand of poverty is preventable and curable diseases which send people to their early graves.
The Governor said the inclusion of Health as a pillar in the 8-point agenda of his administration is not unconnected to the fact that it is essential to bringing people out of poverty since health is wealth.
While stressing the importance attached to the health sector by his administration, Dr. Fayemi said Ekiti is one of the first states to pay the special salary packages to health and medical workers and assured that government would continue to create a conducive environment for the medical and health workers in carrying out their duties,
He added that the recent procurement and distribution of medical equipment worth several millions of Naira to health facilities is an attestation to his commitment to effective health care delivery.
Last modified: August 5, 2012