NMA proffers solutions to increased suicide cases

ANAMBRA State Commissioner for Health, Vincent Okpala, has expressed solidarity with doctors in their commemoration of physicians which is aimed at reflecting week to reflect on the role of doctors in the society.

  The commissioner was represented by the permanent secretary in the state Health Ministry, Dr. John Ndibe, during the Scientific Conference and Physician’s Week of the Awka Zone of Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra State.

  He encouraged the doctors to utilise the annual conference and activities to be part of efforts to engage themselves meaningfully in the medical practice and other aspects of life.

  In a welcome address, the Awka Zonal Chairman of NMA, Dr. Izuchukwu Okeke, commended Anambra State Government for its strategic health care plan,  commissioning of oxygen plant at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, and for donating the sum ofN10 million for the proposed NMA Secretariat.

  In a remark, the state vice chairman of the association, Dr. Jide Onyekwelu, on behalf of the state chairman, Dr. Emma Monago, viewed the annual physician’s week as apt as it provides an opportunity for them to socialise.

  Dr. Onyekwelu described doctors as professionals with the worst medical care in the society.

  Delivering his paper on doctors as entrepreneurs, the vice chairman noted that all doctors are entrepreneurs by the skill they possess such as courage, creating employment, operating as masters in pattern recognition, acting in positive and negative situations and applying clinical judgment on every health condition and in making diagnosis.

  According to the NMA deputy boss, the horizon of doctors clinical judgment broadens with experience.

  In a similar reaction, another former Awka Zonal Chairman of the NMA and  medical director of Edozie Maternity Hospital, Ifitedunu, Dr. Johnson Ezidinachi spoke against suicide but urged governments at all  levels to work on improving the nation’s economy to make life less stressful for people.

  Dr. Ezedinachi suggested an entrepreneurship driven economy.

  Other doctors who spoke on the demerits of suicide include Dr. C.C. Onuorah of the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Nawfia, who delivered a lecture on the topic, Dr. Alfred Emelife and a former Commissioner for Health in Anambra State, Dr. Lawrence Ikeakor.