Prioritise community health to benefit masses, expert urges government

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN), Dr Bashir Idris, has called on governments at all levels to give greater priority to community health for the benefit of the masses.

Idris made the call during the second convocation ceremony and first community health induction of the College of Health Technology, Ejigbo, Osun State, on Wednesday.

Represented by Hammed Aliu, the CHPRBN boss said such commitment would enhance the absorption, retention and optimal utilisation of community health practitioners, in line with workforce planning and universal health coverage goals.

He urged the inductees to uphold professional integrity, competence and a spirit of service to humanity, noting that investment in community health practitioners translates to gains in national productivity, security and social cohesion.

According to him, “Ethics is not an abstract concept; it is lived daily through confidentiality, respectful care, non-discrimination and fidelity to scope of practice. Competence is sustained through lifelong learning, evidence-based practice and adherence to national guidelines, including the National Standing Orders.

“Digital literacy is no longer optional. It is essential for health information management, disease surveillance, tele-support and quality improvement.

“CHPRBN therefore calls on federal, state and local governments to prioritise the absorption, retention and optimal utilisation of community health practitioners in line with workforce planning and universal health coverage goals. Investment in community health practitioners is an investment in national productivity, security and social cohesion.

“Dear inductees, wear your professional identity with humility and pride. Be ambassadors of excellence in your communities and uphold the law that regulates your practice.”

In his convocation address, the Provost of the College of Health Technology, Ejigbo, Mr Owolabi Akinrinade, urged the graduands to serve humanity with compassion, integrity and humility.

Akinrinade emphasised that while education provides a certificate, character determines one’s future.

“My dear graduands, you are entering a profession where a single word can calm fear and a single action can save a life.

“This second convocation tells a powerful story that this institution is alive, growing and impacting lives. Brick by brick, year by year, the College of Health Technology, Ejigbo, is building not just professionals but people of purpose.

“Dear parents and guardians, behind every graduate stands a parent who refused to give up. Behind every certificate is a story of sacrifice. Your labour has not been in vain. Today, your tears are tears of joy. As the wise say, ‘The reward for patience is always greater than the pain,’” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the College of Health Technology, Ejigbo, Alhaji Moshood Okikiola, urged the newly inducted graduates to uphold professionalism and ethics in their practice.

He commended the staff and regulatory bodies for their support, noting that their efforts contributed significantly to the success of the graduands.

Okikiola advised the new professionals to prioritise continuous development and respect for constituted authority in the discharge of their duties.