COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE 6TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF RADIATION AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGISTS OF NIGERIA “ENUGU AMAKA 2023” HELD AT AMADEO EVENT CENTRE ENUGU, ENUGU STATE FROM SEPTEMBER 10TH TO SEPTEMBER 14TH 2023
PREAMBLE
The Annual General Meeting of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) tagged “ENUGU AMAKA 2023” with the theme “EQUITY IN ONCOLOGY; Patients, Practice and policy” and subthemes focusing on the “Rule of partnership and collaboration in promoting equity” and “implementation science in cancer control an untapped opportunity for cancer prevention, training and research” took place at Amadeo Event Centre Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria, between September 10th to September 14th2023.
PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES, SIDE AND MAIN EVENTS
The conference was proceeded by practical demonstration-based training, social and advocacy-oriented activities and courtesy visits to important and strategic personalities in Enugu state.
The opening ceremony was honored by His Excellency Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu state, who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai. Among other distinguished guests present were Prof. Emmanuel lkechukwu Obi, Commissioner of Health Enugu State, Prof Emmanuel Ezeome, President West African College of Surgeons WASC, Dr Usman Malami Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) represented by Dr Uche Nwokwu, Acting Director Clinical Services NICRAT, Prof. Obinna D. Onodugo, Chief Medical Director, represented by Prof. Ugwu Valentine. Dr. Celestine Ugwuoke, Chairman, NMA Enugu State Branch represented by Dr. Okafor Sunday (NMA Secretary), Dr. Duru Augustine (MDCAN, UNTH, Chairman) and Prof. lfeoma J. Okoye, Director of University of Nigeria Center Clinical Trials College of Medicine UNTH Enugu.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The keynote speaker was Prof. Emmanuel Rapuluchukwu Ezeome, the 32nd President of the West African College of Surgeons
OTHER SPEAKERS
Other notable speakers included Mr. Mickel Edward PhD Head of section 1 Division for Africa, Department of Technical Cooperation, international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Prof. Anuja Jhingran, Radiation Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Centre USA, Prof Juliet Iwelumur, Prof. Olusegun Isaac Alatise, Professor of Surgery Obafemi Awolowo University, AORTIC Vice President West Africa, Dr. Modupe Elebute, Co-founder and CEO of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialists Hospital, Victoria Island Lagos, Prof Rebecca Wong, Dept. Radiation Oncology University of Toronto, Prof. Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon Barts Health NHS Trust, Dr. Hannah Ayettey, Secretary-General African Organization for Training in Research in Cancer AORTIC, Dr. Godwin Uwagba, NLCC Cancer Centre Lagos, Prof. Verna Vendarpuye Consultant Radiation/Clinical Oncologist National Centre for Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine (AORTIC Treasurer), Dr. Abiola Ibraheem, University of Illinois, Mr. Laurence Court Medical Physicist, Dr. Igbinoba Festus, Past President, ARCON and Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, founder Medicaid cancer founder (MCF).
The Panelists section featured Dr. Ntekim Atara, Dr. Alabi Adewunmi, Dr. Lasebikan Nwamaka, Prof. Bello Abubakar, Dr. Nwachukwu Emmanuella, Prof. Jullet Iwelunmor, Dr. Mohammed Suhell Anwar, Dr. Sarimiye Foluke, Dr. Onuh Augustine, Dr. Mary Ann Dadzie, Dr. Dao, Mr Tim Clark, Dr. vitalis Okwor, Prof Basil C. Ezeanolue, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, Dr. Surbhi Grover, Dr. Otene Samuel, Dr Joseph, Dr Ezenwosu and Ms Paullete Ibeka from Clinton Health Access Initiative – CHAI.
The Annual General Meeting was well attended by the members across the country to deliberate on issues affecting the profession, practice and the welfare of the members.
OBSERVATIONS
1.The AGM expressed deep concern about the current proliferation of foreign trained radiation and clinical oncologists in the country without adhering to the standard rules of engagement in the profession.
2.The AGM observed with dissatisfaction regarding the poor and suboptimal coverage of the National Health Scheme in relation to oncological practices in the country.
3.The AGM raised concerns about the low attendance of members at various relevant national, sub-regional, regional and local stakeholders’ conferences and meetings.
4 The AGM emphasized the need for professional collaborations and academic bridge building across Africa especially the West Africa Sub-region.
5.The AGM noted a declined interest in Residency Training in Radiation and Clinical Oncology and a general shortage of resident doctors in the country attributed to the “Japa syndrome”.
6.The AGM frowned at the authority responsible for Radiation and Clinical Oncology training for their failure to provide timely information and guidance to resident doctors to facilitate their training.
RESOLUTIONS
1.The AGM called on relevant authorities including MDCN, NMA and ARCON to proactively address the issue of unqualified and improperly registered physicians practicing as radiation/ clinical Oncologists in the country.
2.The AGM appealed to Government at all levels along with others stakeholders to expand the National Health Scheme coverage for oncological patients in line with Minister of Health and Social welfare, Prof. Ali Pate’s dedication to implement the Nigeria Health Act. In addition we resolved to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to draft a policy brief containing recommendations for improving healthcare financing and ensuring equitable access to oncology services.
3.The AGM encouraged members to actively participate in meetings and conferences to enhance the association visibility and influence.
4.The AGM encouraged members to involve in cross-professional collaborations globally to achieve professional growth and address health sector challenges.
5.The AGM urged stakeholders involved in employing resident doctors to create simple and easy employment strategies for radiation and clinical oncology resident doctors to address the shortage of resident doctors in training.
6.The AGM charged the authority involved in residency training to always make necessary information available to the resident doctors regarding their exams and practice.
7.The AGM commended the Executive Governor of Enugu state His Excellency Barr. Peter N. Mbah for his contribuctions towards cancer care in the state.
COMMITMENTS, ELECTIONS AND NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
8.The AGM re-affirmed its commitment to the welfare of its members.
9.Sequel to the seamless, free and fair electoral process led by Dr.Folasire Ayorinde, the following members of the association were elected and sworn in as the National Executive Council members for the 2023/2025 Executive Year:
President- Dr. Nwamaka Lesebikan Vice Presidents- Dr. Adebayo Afolabi Oladeji General Secretary- Dr. Ololade Kehinde
Assistant General Secretary- Dr. Bolaji Lateef Salako Public Relation Officer- Dr. Samuel Kwis
Treasurer- Dr. Bolanle C. Adegboyega
Financial Secretary- Dr. Foluke Oladele Sarimiye Welfare Secretary-Dr. Temitope Agunbiade Editor-in-Chief – Dr. Jimeta Tuko JD
10.The University Hospital Ibadan won the bid to host the next Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference 2024.
APPRECIATION
The Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria is immensely grateful to all who in very many ways contributed to the planning and successful hosting of the “ENUGU AMAKA 2023” notably the Executive Governor of Enugu State, our Keynote Speaker, Chief Medical Director, UNTH, Enugu, Collaborators, Partners, Volunteers and Sponsors.
Special appreciation goes to the Local Organizing Committee led by Dr. Kenneth Nwankwo, our Publicity Guru, Dr Biyi-Olutunde Olusegun, National Executive Council led by Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan and Board of Trustees chaired by Prof. Francis A. Durosimi-Eti.
Finally, sincere appreciate to all our members (Arconites) and friends of the association for their invaluable contributions.
