The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has called for increased investment in medical education, specialist training, scientific research and healthcare infrastructure to improve health outcomes and promote sustainable development across West Africa.
Mahmoud made the call while delivering her goodwill message as Chief Host at the 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General and Scientific Meetings of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The event had the theme, “WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future”.
The minister described the College’s golden jubilee as a significant milestone in West Africa’s medical history, commending its contributions over five decades to specialist medical training, scientific research, professional development and clinical excellence.
She said a strong healthcare system was essential to sustainable development, noting that the health of a population directly influenced economic productivity, social well-being and regional prosperity.
“A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being and sustainable national development,” she said.
Mahmoud urged governments and relevant stakeholders to prioritise investment in medical education, specialist training, scientific research and modern healthcare infrastructure, while improving the welfare of healthcare professionals.
She also called for expanded mentorship and professional development opportunities for young physicians to strengthen the region’s medical workforce.
The minister noted that physicians played a vital role beyond treating illnesses, contributing to disease prevention, medical research, public health education and the development of evidence-based healthcare policies.
She further encouraged the College to explore emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery.
Mahmoud 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.
In his remarks, the President of the WACP, Dr Mourtalla Ka, called for stronger postgraduate medical education, increased scientific research and closer 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, former presidents, senior Fellows, teachers and mentors for their dedication to sustaining its legacy.
The WACP president stressed the need to embrace advances in medical science and technology while maintaining professional standards and the human values central to medical practice.
He also urged the College to strengthen support for younger Fellows and trainees, adding that the golden jubilee and scientific meeting provided an opportunity to renew its commitment to medical excellence and improved healthcare delivery.
