It was all joy, as the management of University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital led by Dr Oluwole Ige, organized a Luncheon for the pioneer medical students of University of Medical Sciences Ondo to celebrate the successful completion of their undergraduate medical training.
The University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex Ondo State was officially established Six years ago from amalgamation of existing 7 hospitals as the affiliate Teaching Hospital for the specialized University of Medical Sciences Ondo . The core mandate of the hospital was based on 3 pillars of excellent Clinical services, Research and Training. The Teaching Hospital has successfully collaborated with the affiliate University of Medical Sciences Ondo to produce the first sets of Medical Doctors to be trained within Ondo State since the creation of the state since 1976 . Before now, Ondo State, is the only state within the South West who has not been able to train medical doctors within her state . The government of Mimiko started the University of Medical Sciences while the government of Aketi has sustained the Vision of the University against all odds and also established the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital which is a necessary requirement for the training of health personel by the University.
In bid to resolve dart of medical personnel and boost the health sector in Ondo state and Nigeria, the state government have resolved to absorb all the pioneering medical students of the state owned University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
Speaking at a special luncheon for the pioneering medical students, the Ondo state governor, represented by the Special Adviser on health, Professor. Francis Faduyile said the state government in her magnitude gave the concession to the pioneer students.
Noting that their absorption to the system will boost the health sector, and increase the manpower in the health sector. Urging the graduate medical students to see the opportunity giving to them as a rare privilege.
While speaking on the resolve to serve as a catalyst for abridging the human capital deficiency in the health sector of the Nation, Dr. Oluwole Ige, Chief Medical Director of the state owned, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex Ondo State (UNIMEDTHC) stated that the institution conceived study loan facility for the final year medical students of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
Noting that in collaboration with the Leadership of the University ably led by Professor Adesegun Fatusi, the management of both institutions designed and formalize student loan bond scheme for final year graduating medical students having challenges or difficulties with the payment of their tution fees at the stage of writing their final year medical professional examinations to make their dreams become reality.
Informing that the students loan bond scheme was initiated by the Teaching Hospital management in such a way to eliminate financial barriers which might exclude any final year medical student with outstanding fees not to graduate as a medical doctor
Adding that the facility is structured in such a way that, any student that benefit from the scheme shall be encouraged to do his/her one year housemanship, a post-graduation supervised clinical training programme with UNIMED Teaching Hospital. While in the course of the House job the value of the outstanding fee shall be deducted in piece meal from the monthly allowance granted those in training.
Noting that the essence of the students loan bond scheme, which is arguably the first of such kind in the nation is to forestall incidence of academic spill over on the part of the students, and subsequently have well trained medical personnel, to inject into the health system. Promising to make the welfare of the new medical practitioners a priority. Dr Oluwole Ige also emphasized that the Teaching Hospital has produced Graduate Nurses, Physiotherapist, Medical Laboratory Scientist among others in keeping with her mandate as Teaching Hospital. The institution has successfuly trained medical consultants in several fields of Medicine and Surgery. The Teaching Hospital has also provided platform for training of health personnel for FUTA Medical School, Achievers University, Elizade University and JABU.
The Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) Dr. Michael Gbala encouraged the younger colleagues on the prospect and opportunities ahead of them if they commit to do their Housemanship at the Teaching Hospital. He noted that the Teaching Hospital and her teeming patients should benefit from their services. He said , after MDCN induction, the addition of the 34 doctors into the Teaching Hospital will boost service delivery within the hospital and will also afford them the opportunity to grow in the profession under the tutelage of their teachers.
Dr. Gbala who appreciates the unrelenting efforts of the state government, management, staff and medical consultants of the Teaching Hospital for their tireless efforts and commitment at ensuring that the students get the best and able to finish their medical training at record time .
The VIce Chancellor of the University, Professor Adesegun Fatusi ably represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Loto, charged the students on the need to be a good ambassador of the University and keep learning . He encouraged them to take the advantage of the opportunities in the Teaching Hospital to train as specialist.
The permanent secretary of Ministry of Health, Pharmacist (Mrs) Aladenola who spoke on behalf of other dignitaries congratulated the governor of Ondo State, Mr Akeredolu Rotimi, SAN,, for the historic feat during his tenure. She also congratulated and thanked the Management of the Teaching Hospital and the University for their sacrifices and concerted efforts in making this laudable feat possible in record time.
Oloyede Rasheed, Class Governor for the pioneering medical students appreciates the management for their support and thorough tutelage at bringing best out of the thirty-four (34) graduating pioneering students with flying colours.
He assured the state government and management of the readiness of the 34 Medical students at taking offers given to them, noting that they will surely put in their best at ensuring that standard of health system is raised in the state with best standard practice.
Goodwill messages were delivered by various professional bodies at the unique ceremony iNigeria Medical Association (NMA) and other distinguished personalities in medical professional including PS Primary Health Care, Hospital Management Board and DG Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme, The graduate students await their induction by Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to become registered medical doctors.
