DTOF 7th Anniversary Opening Speeches..at the Opening ceremony of the event which held in June 2022 with the theme: Brain Gain and the revival of the Nigerian Health Sector – The Experience, Problems and Prospects

 

 OPENING SPEECH ON THE 7th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE DOCTORS’ TIME OUT FAMILY(DTOF) BY THE CHAIRMAN DTOF

 

Good morning Esteemed Medical Elders,Trainers,Senior Colleagues and Colleagues,

 

It is with all sense of humility,honor and privilege that I welcome you all to the 7th anniversary of the Doctors Time Out Organisation(DTOF),a non governmental,non profit organization made up of highly versatile,astute,charismatic and sound minded doctors who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the medical profession in our nation.

 

At each anniversary of the organization, these group of doctors have come together to put smiles on the faces of the less privileges and also delve into various issues bedeviling the health sector with the aim of holistically addressing and proffering  solutions to them.

 

Doctors Time Out Family Organisation also have over the years been involved in several charitable projects  such as Free Medical Outreaches and Distributions of food items  and toiletries to the less privileges, Deworm and Educate the Child initiative,Adopt and Train a Child initiative etc.

 

The theme for this year anniversary Brain Gain and the Revival of the Nigerian Health Sector-Your Experience, Problem and Prospects  is quite apt at this moment considering the amount of doctors and other health workers who have emigrated out of the nation in search of greener pastures and better working conditions. This thus offer some form of hope that some of our colleagues will return to the nation having garner wealth of experience and expertise in their various fileds to render quality healthcare to the citizens of our nation. In this regard,we have harnessed an array of very versatile, dynamic and experienced guest speakers who will do justice to the theme.

 

The three subthemes Attaining Financial Freedom in a Marasmic economy:The ordeals of the Nigerian Doctor and the way forward,Medical Practice and side hustle: The new reality for the Nigerian Doctor  and Accessing your compulsory National Housing Funds: How does a contributor benefit from the NHF Scheme are equally of great importance to the average Nigerian doctor considering the fact that one of the major reason fueling the emigration of doctors to other nations is poor renumeration and attaining financial autonomy for them is a major panacea to addressing the issue of brain drain.

All guests’ speakers will be live via zoom at the appointed day and time and I urge us all to please take out time out of our ever busy schedule for an interactive session with the various speakers.

 

Doctors Time Out Organisation(DTOF) has in these past years grown in leaps and bounds and it is worthy to note that this wouldn’t have been possible without the selfless support, sacrifice and dedication shown by you all.  History will forever be kind to you for laying the  matrix/scaffold on which  this monumental historical achievements were made.

 

 

 

Once again, I welcome you all to the 7th Anniversary of DTOF and I wish you all a splendid weeklong of events.

God Bless DTOF!

God Bless the Medical Profession!!

God Bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

Dr Oamen John Blaze,

Chairman DTOF.

 

OPENING SPEECH BY THE NARD PRESIDENT ON THE 7th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE DOCTORS’ TIME OUT FAMILY(DTOF)

The CEO/FOUNDER DTOF and distinguished members of this family worldwide.

It gives me great pleasure to open this year's anniversary celebration of the Doctor’s Time Out Family (DTOF).

With the impact, DTOF has had in the area of humanitarian aid, and academic and leadership development, one would have thought that the organisation has existed for decades. 

This goes a long way to show the passion and dedication with which the CEO/Founder/convener who is a past Secretary-General of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr Anthony Chukwunonso Ude, and other DTOF officials have gone about their affairs.

The main theme for this year's event, "Brain Gain and the revival of the Nigerian Health Sector – The Experience, Problems and Prospects" is another ingenious effort by DTOF to stimulate conversations that will yield workable solutions to end the menace of brain drain that has bedevilled our profession in Nigeria.

The other sub-themes which bother medical entrepreneurship and financial freedom and real estate are also poised to build the contemporary early-career doctor into a well-balanced self-sustaining entity.

I enjoin all participants in this celebration to put on our thinking caps with open hearts and ears as the keynote and other theme speakers do justice to these vital topics.

*On the behalf of the National Officers Committee of NARD and the National Executive Committee, we congratulate Dr Anthony Chukwunonso Ude, CEO/Founder and other members of DTOF on this worthy anniversary celebration.

It is our sincere desire that this organisation grows from strength to strength, breaking new grounds and achieving even greater heights. 

Thank you once more! 

Yours truly,

Dr Dare Godiya Ishaya

President, 

Nigerian  Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

 WELCOME ADDRESS BY DR UCHE R. OJINMAH, PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION(NMA) ON THE OCCASION OF THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF DOCTORS' TIME OUT FAMILY(DTOF)

Friends, colleagues, fellow DTOF members and our beloved citizens of Nigeria, it is my singular honour and privilege to welcome you all to this occasion.

After my election recently, as President of the NMA, I was still getting used to being addressed as Mr President and next was a request by my good friend Dr Anthony Ude (aka Narcolepsy) and founder of DTOF to present this address. This is the first address I am making as President of the Nigerian Medical Association and I'm glad to be here.

I must congratulate Dr Ude, the Ethics and Privileges Committee and all members of DTOF, including my humble self for sticking together and making a success of this extra medical endeavour that is blossoming into a full-fledged Medical Journalism Outfit.

I must appreciate DTOF for the NMA Election Debates which is a great innovation. The 2022 Presidential Debate granted me the opportunity to reach many colleagues from the comfort of my room to sell my Manifesto. I strongly believe that the debate boosted my electoral fortune which culminated in a landslide victory at the polls.

I remain highly grateful to all Nigerian Doctors for allowing me to serve us. The 2022-2024 National Officers' Committee (NOC) of NMA has done its best to show leadership and implement our electoral promises by releasing the 62nd AGC/SC communique promptly and publishing it in the Guardian Newspaper, we have granted several interviews to News media and responded promptly to the shocking Owo Church shooting (may the souls of the departed rest in peace) thereby making the voice of NMA to be heard promptly as it ought to be and we are working on rolling out our other programs to move NMA forward.

Nigerian Medical Association shall host World Medical Association (WMA) African Regional Meeting on review of International Code of Medical Ethics (ICoME) in Abuja from 31st July to 3rd August. I hereby invite you all to get ready to register and participate to make your voice heard. We all need to come en mass to receive and make welcome WMA leaders and leaders of other African Medical Associations that shall converge in Nigeria. 

The theme of this 7th Anniversary celebration is;

Brain Gain and the revival of the Nigerian Health Sector – The Experience, Problems and Prospects is apt in the face of Human Resource capital flight out of Nigeria. It is no longer news that every plane that leaves Nigeria daily to Europe, the United States of America, Canada, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Grenada, etc ferries Nigerian trained doctors to greener pasture. Sadly, instead of combating the identified "push" factors such as poor remuneration, lack of job satisfaction arising from lack of equipment and poor working environment, and insecurity of lives and properties, our government pretends that all is well. Our government probably thinks that if they play dead, the brain drain will go away. A particular state government has decided to bond medical residents as a solution to the brain drain. This is unrealistic and not well thought through as it can only facilitate brain drain to other states and out of Nigeria. 

I call on the government to properly remunerate Nigerian Doctors and other health workers, provide work equipment, improve our work environment and curb the ravaging insecurity as a means of triggering brain gain and the attendant bumper benefits of return of improved staff, our doctors returning with state-of-the-art equipment and establishment of collaborations with experts in their places of sojourn. All these shall uplift our health care sector, economy and life expectancy. 

Government should also galvanize the Health care private sector with financial facilities such as long term, low-interest loans with a five or more years moratorium on repayment. 

I daresay that investment in the health sector shall worth its while. 

We call on those in government to please think about Nigeria and not about themselves. 

The Subthemes;

Medical Practice and side hustle: The new reality for the Nigerian Doctor

Attaining Financial Freedom in a Marasmic economy: The ordeals of the Nigerian Doctor, and the way forward

Accessing your compulsory National Housing Funds:  How does a contributor benefit from the NHF Scheme?

are all tailored to help the few of us left behind to run the humorous Nigerian Healthcare sector with some hope and survival tips.

Let all doctors in Nigeria link up with DTOF to benefit from the bumper harvest of benefits from these topics.

I as the President of the Nigerian Medical Association am already a member of DTOF and an active participant, and i don't intend to recuse myself.

I salute the dedication of all members of DTOF and Dr Ude Anthony (our own Sanjay Gupta).

Let's continue to ventilate and criticize constructively devoid of bad language and innuendo. 

I remain loyal. 

Dr Uche R. OJINMAH (President of the Nigerian Medical Association)

 Closing Remarks by the Founder/Convener of Doctors Time Out Family{DTOF).Dr Anthony C Ude (Narcolepsy) on the occasion of the 7th anniversary celebrations

The NMA President.. Dr Uche Rowland Ojinmah 

The NARD President..Dr Dare Godiya Ishaya

Chairman DTOF ..Dr Oamen John Blaze

NMA NOC and NEC members past and present

NARD NOC and NEC members past and present

Crown Prince

NARD Caucus Leaders 

ARD Centre Presidents and Excos

Affiliate heads

Auditors

Liaison Officer

Committee Chair/secs and members

Expanded NARD and NMA NOC

Great Members of the Doctors Time Out Family 

Gentlemen of the Press

Ladies and gentlemen

[6/19, 22:03] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: Its indeed my pleasure and honour once again to make this closing remark .

On behalf of the Ethics and privileges commitee of the doctors Time out family(DTOF) ,I sincerely thank each and everyone that contributed in making DTOF 7th anniversary a huge success.

This week long activities have been spectacular ,sensational and very resourceful.The superb achievements of  DTOF have once more buttressed the unity and cohesion of this great family- Doctors Time Out .

[6/19, 22:04] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: A family through which doctors can exercise their rights to life , to practice the profession with liberty and dignity to pursue happiness,caring for needy and loving less privileged  while sustaining a healthy medical profession and Nation at large.

Once more our events for this anniversary  have proven without doubt that we are not just great doctors ,we are great HUMANS.

[6/19, 22:05] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: To our key worthy and able guest Speakers .and panelists,we profusely appreciate you did more than justice to the topics.Your presence and wise words helped magnify our cause in the best possible way. It was a huge success. All thanks to your enlightening words that inspired so many people out there.The audience were thrilled to have you as company and exchange few words with you.

[6/19, 22:06] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: A million thanks to the Local Organizing committee of this years event (DTOF engine room - Ethics and Privileges unit) ,they are indeed the pace maker .To be honest when we started the planning for the 7th anniversary,we weren't sure we can pull it off ,but you certainly did and did it well. To you, my salute is unique!

[6/19, 22:07] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: To the regional and centre cordinators nationwide with special reference to FMC Yenagoa (SS) , FMC Umuahia (SE) LUTH (SW) NOH Dala (NW) ,  FMC Yola (NE)  JUTH (NC)..u guys deserve some accolades)and those in diaspora ,you made it happen at those levels .What an outstanding work you all have done.We are proud of you..Even as other centres , affiliates and regions have promised and are encouraged to do something in the coming days.

To our donors and sponsors  all over the country  and in diaspora.May the Lord meet you at the point of your needs , we appreciate you immensely 

To the moderators of the quiz , time managers and score keeper especially Drs Uzo Ezenwugo and Abdulbasit Ahmad , you guys are the real MVPs despite the shirt notice

[6/19, 22:08] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: We wish to profusely thank the NMA President Dr Uche Rowland Ojinmah, a man of great wit  and wisdom,ur opening remark was second to none.Thanks for that priceless piece ,huge SUPPORT and for being a source of inspiration and encouragement

To the NARD President and his entire crew , we appreciate the invaluable support and inestimable value you have given this platform. My leader, we are partners in oiling the NARD wheel of progress.Mr President.

[6/19, 22:09] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: In a special way ,we admire all the ARD center presidents and their exco/officers(past and present) for their dedication , being true to and believing in this course .Your works speaks volume of the kind of men you are --creative,efficient ,organised and result oriented.

To the entire NMA affiliates heads and excos - NARD MDCAN NDA NAGGMDP ANPMP and MWAN members  all over the country your good disposition has gone a long way in helping the family achieve most of her targets and goals over the past 7years.Your dedication and insights were really inspiring .Just an opportunity to say, Thank You.

[6/19, 22:09] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: Then to all members of the DTOF family I DOFF MY HAT

Taking out time from your busy personal and professional schedules to make this anniversary a reality means the world to me .

I'm glad we can judge ourselves not only on our professional achievements but also on how well 

we have addressed the world's deepest inequities , on how well we treated people a world away who have nothing in common with us but their humanity and God nature.

You people are amazingly awesome.Great Job guys.

[6/19, 22:10] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: Efforts are already on top gear towards the following:

- Instilling fresh hands (admission) into Ethics/Privilege committee (please Kindly dm me or any ethics member if you want to join us NB .it comes with lots of responsibilities)

-Convening of physical Annual General meeting , outreaches/talks, retreat/Get together , NEC,OGM and AGM and get together on a rotational basis.

- Sourcing for grants and relief funds from external sources

- and many more as we get your opinions and suggestions 

- please add more to the list on how we make DTOF better and please let us know while helping us achieve this

[6/19, 22:11] narcolepsy20022001@yahoo.: All these will come with a little more sacrifice/ from all of us and EVERYONE will be carried along.

But inspite of all these ,i urge us all to keep the fire burning , PLEASE do not RELENT and lets always do our best .

REMEMBER a GOOD DEED is a PASSPORT to a happy LIFE

Long live DTOF

Long live NARD

Long live NMA

Long live FRN

Thanks for understanding and continued support.

©Doctors Time Out Family ®

Loving 

Caring 

Sharing 

Via 

Education

Information

Entertainment 

Dr Anthony Ude (Narcolepsy)

Convener and Founder DTOF

Communications Director World Medical Association 2018/19

19th June 2022

22:00hours