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In a remarkable show of partnership for healthcare system reform and human capital development, the First On-Call Initiative (FOCI) joined forces with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State.
The event, themed “Securing the Future of Medical Practice in Nigeria: Prioritizing Physician Welfare, Training, and Systemic Reform,” focused on urgent issues surrounding postgraduate medical training, health worker welfare, and the broader structural challenges affecting the Nigerian health sector.
As a major sponsor, FOCI supported several key components of the meeting, including a medical and relief outreach to an orphanage home in Calabar, where food items, hygiene materials, educational supplies, and clothing were donated—underscoring its commitment to social impact and health equity at the grassroots.
FOCI also sponsored the scientific conference, which featured a keynote lecture by Professor Emmanuel Eyo Ekanem and a critical panel discussion on “The Future of Medicine: Deciphering the Fellowship, PhD, and MD Conundrum.” Panellists including Professor Victor O. Ansa, the former Director of Training, West African College of Physicians, led rich discussions on aligning postgraduate medical education with global academic and professional standards.
While giving his address, NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, delivered a rousing call to action, emphasizing the purpose of the gathering:
“Today, we are gathered not just for another meeting, but for what I believe is one of the most crucial conversations of our generation—one that strikes at the heart of what it means to be a doctor in Nigeria at this time and what it must mean in the years to come.”
He continued:
“Our responsibility goes beyond agitation. We must lead the conversations that shape policy, improve training, and restore dignity to medical practice in Nigeria.”
Addressing the profession’s collective role in reform, Dr. Zenith stated:
“Let us remember: We are not just practitioners of medicine—we are stewards of its future. So as we proceed into this scientific conference, I encourage us all to engage boldly, think critically, and collaborate generously. The change we seek will not come from above—it will come from within our ranks, through unity, strategy, and persistence.”
In his goodwill remarks, the Executive Director of First On-Call Initiative, Dr. Faithful Miebaka Daniel, commended Dr. Zenith for his forward-thinking leadership, particularly the launch of emergency response trainings in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). He noted that while FOCI began similar trainings in 2022 in Port Harcourt, it was proud to witness Dr. Zenith conceptualise and execute the initiative at a national scale through NARD’s structure. Dr. Daniel also revealed that FOCI’s Research Division is now working to implement a robust research and impact evaluation framework to track the success and scalability of the program.
Dr. Daniel further condemned the growing attacks on medical professionals, citing the recent assault of a house officer at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. He called for firm punitive measures, policy-driven anti-assault protocols, and public awareness efforts, urging stakeholders to step up protections for healthcare workers.
In addition to the academic sessions, delegates had the opportunity to unwind and connect through a city tour of Calabar and a vibrant variety night, enriching the experience with culture, fellowship, and wellness.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and ARD-UCTH President, Dr. Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, praised the partnership with FOCI as instrumental. “From accommodation to ICT, logistics, welfare, and scientific programming, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Delegates from all 36 states and the FCT truly experienced the ‘Season of Sweetness,’ “he said.
This multi-million-naira partnership, the largest in FOCI’s history, further solidifies the organisation’s national role in health systems strengthening, research promotion, capacity building, and sustainable healthcare delivery.
