The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and various stakeholders have called on medical practitioners to enhance collaborations for improved patient diagnosis and care.
This appeal was made during MWAN’s Women in Medicine, Health, and Wellness Conference, themed “Strengthening Networks for Prompt Diagnosis and Care,” held in Abuja and organized in partnership with Focus Africa.
Prof. Rosemary Ogu, President of MWAN, stated the importance of collaboration and networking to better patient care. She stated, “We’re advocating for everyone to collaborate and network to improve patient care.
This involves sharing available resources, understanding who is doing what, and ensuring healthcare providers are also looking after their own wellness. Sharing experiences and learnings, especially regarding cervical cancer elimination, is crucial as it is a preventable disease yet remains prevalent due to varying levels of awareness and action.”
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), highlighted the secretariat’s commitment to promoting general wellness among the populace.
“Health is not merely the absence of disease but includes general wellness. Our focus extends beyond infrastructural health determinants to social determinants, advocating prevention over cure. Our extensive advocacy and health promotion have notably prevented cholera cases in the FCT,” she noted.
Senator Ned Nwoko, represented by Dr. Michael Nwoko, underscored the importance of prompt diagnosis and care as fundamental to a robust healthcare system.
“Strong networks facilitate environments where knowledge is freely shared, mentorship is prioritized, and professional development is encouraged. The fight against cervical cancer and overall healthcare improvement requires collaboration with wellness experts and healthcare advocates,” he stated.
Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized the role of networks in bridging communication and care gaps.
“Positive collaborations between healthcare professionals, institutions, and communities are vital. Evidence-based approaches are essential in addressing healthcare challenges and sustaining positive outcomes for our communities,” she remarked.
The conference highlighted the vast opportunities in medical collaboration, urging professionals to share ideas, support each other, and adopt innovative solutions for enhanced patient care. The emphasis was on preventive measures, capacity training, and the collective initiative to provide evidence-based care.