The LASUTH Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), despite the odds of the times held their 13th annual scientific conference. The event which was themed, “Practicing Medicine in The Era of Emerging Infectious Diseases” and sub-themed, “Telemedicine and its legal Implications”, held via zoom. It saw several eminent medical personnel in attendance.
While giving her opening remark, the President of the Association, Dr. Oaku Itohan noted that the concept of telemedicine “albeit not a new concept has come to the fore as there is a need to balance it with adequate patient care.” She is hopeful that “whatever resolves are arrived at, they will set in motion measures that will enhance the safety of the medical personnel, LASUTH Community, the practice and ultimately meet the patients’ needs.”
The Chief Host of the Conference and Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo in his address, commended the effort, steadfastness and resilience of the Resident Doctors saying, “we do not take these for granted, and that is one of the reasons why we, the management of LASUTH have left no stone unturned in striving to ensure the regular supply of PPE to the doctors. The CMD further expressed that the State Government is working on providing living quarters for Resident Doctors within the hospital premises and plans are already in full gear for construction to begin.
The Honorable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akinola Abayomi, in agreement with Prof Fabamwo, reiterated that the residency training is top priority for the State Government and “it will cut across all spectrums of healthcare which include the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.” He noted that all these was in a bid to make Resident Doctors have a pleasant time while going through their training in Lagos State. He also mentioned that the digitalizing of the healthcare system in Lagos is being worked on.
Other personnel who participated at the conference include, Honourable Hakeem Sokunle, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Lagos State House of Assembly; Dr. Adetunji Adenekan, Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos Chairman. The Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Muhammad Shakir Balogun, Resident Advisor, Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme. He spoke on “Practicing Medicine in the Era of Emerging infectious Diseases; while Ms. Opeoluwa Ashimi, Chief Executive Officer, M’Care Health Aland Digital Health Expert who was the guest speaker spoke on “Telemedicine and Its Legal Implications.”
Other programmes that heralded the annual programme were virtual thanksgiving church service, a visit to the less privileged at the Hearts of Gold Children Hospice; Ordinary General Meeting; and a special Virtual Jumat Service.
