FCT minister of state pledges better healthcare as physicians' college marks 50 years

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has restated the FCT Administration's promise to improve health services for residents, saying the health of a population shapes how well an economy and society perform.

She spoke in Abuja as chief host at the 50th anniversary celebration and annual general and scientific meetings of the West African College of Physicians (WACP). The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, had the theme "WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future".

Mahmoud credited the administration led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike with placing priority on healthcare and on building stronger medical institutions.

What the minister asked for

She urged governments and other stakeholders to put more money into training doctors, funding research, building modern health facilities and looking after the welfare of health workers.

She also called for more mentorship and career support for young doctors, saying the region needs a well-trained workforce that is properly supported to handle new health threats.

According to her, doctors do more than treat the sick. They also help prevent disease, carry out research, teach the public about health and shape policies based on evidence.

"A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being and sustainable national development," she said.

Mahmoud encouraged the college to take up new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support clinical decisions and improve care. She thanked the organising committee led by Dr Akin Moses for hosting the event in Abuja.

College president's call

WACP President Dr Mourtalla Ka asked for stronger postgraduate medical education, more scientific research and closer cooperation among West African countries to meet emerging health challenges.

He said the college has trained and certified thousands of specialist physicians in its 50 years, with impact on clinical practice, medical education, research and health leadership across the region.

Ka honoured the college's founders, past presidents, senior fellows, teachers and mentors, and asked the college to keep supporting younger fellows and trainees. He stressed that advances in medical science and technology should go hand in hand with professional standards and the human side of medical practice.

For ordinary residents, the pledges point to the kind of care they can expect in FCT hospitals and clinics, though the sources gave no new funding figures or timelines.