The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has declared open the 2024 Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting of College of Nigerian Pathologists at the Gombe International Hotel, Gombe.
The conference serves as an important platform for pathologists to come together, crossfertilise knowledge, deliberate on key issues affecting the field, and explore opportunities for enhancing healthcare delivery.
The event held under the theme “Advancing Laboratory Medicine Through Artificial Intelligence: Embracing the Future of Healthcare in the Fifth Industrial Revolution”.
Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, welcomed the delegates on behalf of Governor Yahaya.
In his speech, the governor highlighted the Gombe State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare since taking office in 2019. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek philosopher Herophilus, who emphasised the critical importance of health for the proper functioning of society, the Deputy Governor outlined several initiatives undertaken by the state government. Including the establishment of the Gombe State Hospital Services Management Board, the creation of 24/7 health centers in every electoral ward, and ongoing work to complete mega hospitals in the three senatorial districts.
The governor further discussed efforts to address healthcare infrastructure challenges in Gombe State. He mentioned the revitalisation of cottage hospitals in Deba, Bojude, Kuri, and Malam Sidi, as well as the construction of a 600-student capacity School of Nursing to address the shortage of medical personnel. Additionally, Gombe became the only state in the federation to provide Toyota Hilux vehicles to the Surveillance and Response Team in all 11 local government areas, ensuring a more effective healthcare response, particularly during emergencies.
Gombe State’s proactive approach to the COVID-19 pandemic was another major point of focus in the deputy governor’s speech. “The state established and equipped a Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory for testing COVID-19, allowing for quicker and more efficient testing within the state, instead of relying on distant locations like Abuja”.
He also mentioned the creation of COVID-19 isolation centers across the state, including in the three senatorial districts and at the state and federal teaching hospitals. The governor underscored the importance of expanding diagnostic capabilities beyond COVID-19 to include other infectious diseases such as measles, yellow fever, and Lassa fever.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Gombe State Government for the recognition of their healthcare achievements by the College of Nigerian Pathologists.
The CNP presented an “Award of Excellence in Healthcare” to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the people of Gombe State, acknowledging the state’s significant strides in improving health services.
He assured the CNP that the award would serve as a motivation for the state government to continue its efforts in healthcare, particularly in expanding the use of technology and human resources to enhance service delivery.
Yahaya stressed the need for collaboration among all healthcare stakeholders to address the challenges of the sector. Drawing from Professor Francis Faduyile’s 2021 lecture on professional rivalry in the health sector, he emphasised the importance of overcoming barriers and promoting cooperation among various departments and medical personnel.
He encouraged pathologists and other health professionals to remain adaptive, resilient, and responsive to future healthcare challenges, as the country faces new diseases and health issues.He therefore expressed confidence that the conference discussions would lead to practical solutions for improving healthcare in Nigeria.
In her remarks, the National President, College of Nigeria Pathologists Major General Olatilewa Amusu, said the national conference is an opportunity for pathologist in all subspecialities to come together, learn, deliberate on issues affecting the society and health care delivery in general.
She said they are critical partners with government and implementing partners in the area of health care and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare through accurate and precise diagnosis and advising on therapeutic strategies.
The Local Organising Committee Chairman, 2024 Gombe Annual General Meeting, Prof. Aliyu Lawan, welcomed the delegates from across the country and wished them fruitful deliberations.
He appreciated the Governor of Gombe State, his Deputy and the Commissioner of Health for assisting the committee to succeed in successful hosting of the meeting.
Prof. Emeritus Idris Mohammed, and Gombe State Commissioner for Health Dr Habu Dahiru, Chief Medical Director, Teaching Hospital, Gombe
Dr Yusuf Abdullahi, The Director, National Blood Services
presented goodwill messages congratulating the Pathologist for successful hosting of the meeting.
The National President in company of the dignitaries latter paid a courtesy visit to the deputy governor in his office where they presented him with a plaque in recognition of his support to the pathologist.
The deputy governor in return presented the president with a three year score card of Governor Yahaya’s giant stride in the state.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity
(Deputy Governor’s office)
