Health Minister Commends IPAN on Preventive Health

Martins Ifijeh
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has commended the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria, IPAN, for their role in healthcare provision, as their efforts in regulation of medical services, cosmetics, food, drugs and other products has in no small measure prevented health issues in the country.

Ehanire, who spoke at the Mandatory Training Workshop of the Institute in Lagos recently, said the Federal Government will continue to encourage the practise of analysis, adding that a sick nation cannot grow economically.

The Minister, who was represented by the Acting Registrar, Institute of Chartered Chemistry of Nigeria (ICCON), Mrs. Owotade Kojore, commended the IPAN for the training, tagged: ‘Entrepreneurial and Innovation: Creating Value Beyond the Laboratory Environment’ as it would expose its members to the need diversify their trade.

“The theme of the workshop is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s mantra of economic diversification in view of the downward spiral in oil price, which has been the mainstay of the economy. The need for improved entrepreneurship, innovation and invention at this time is compelling and the only solution to free the nation from mono-economic slavery,” he noted.

He explained that the development of any nation was hinged on science, but more importantly on its investment on human capital, adding that the country cannot be an exemption, as this was one of the attractions or the compelling reason for his decision to honour the invitation to attend the workshop.

He therefore assured the Institute that the health ministry was fully in support of efforts geared towards creation of employment or targeted at improving the nation’s economy, which obviously would translate to better lives for the citizens in terms of health and wealth.

He also promised to look into the legal challenges in the Institute’s enabling law which affects the practise of the profession and restrict benefits to the society.

On his part, the First Vice President of the Institute, Dr. Olufemi Oyediran, encouraged analysts to set up standard laboratories in the country that would extend focus beyond drugs and food accreditation.

According to him, analysts must realise the potentials that exist within them in other to live their dreams “There are a lot of things that analysts can do outside the laboratory activities for food and drug,” he added.

Acting Registrar, IPAN, Mr. Duro Abdusalam, noted that analysts should not be like the general scientists who are naturally poor business men and women, adding that counterparts in the finance industry and law make stupendous fortunes from their practices and smile almost effortlessly to the bank through their work.

“Our friends in architecture, engineering and building have all passed the rubicon. That is why we have organised this workshop to train us on business acumen and how the sweat and toil of our members can better be rewarded,” he concluded.

Related Articles