The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said that medical missions in Nigeria are to be regulated.

He said a guideline on the conduct of medical missions had been developed and currently awaits approval of the National Council on Health.

Chukwu, who was represented by an official from the Health Ministry, Mrs. Philomena Ogboudu, spoke at the opening of the 2013 free medical mission, a two-week programme held at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State where over 1,000 persons had benefited from the exercise sponsored by the Rotary International, in collaboration with the state government.

Chukwu said the proposed guidelines would boost and standardise medical missions, urging all stakeholders to comply with the requirements when ratified.

The Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, said his administration was committed to improving health delivery in the state.

Ahmed, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Isiaka Gold, said the government would ensure post-operation follow-up of the beneficiaries.

He added that the government remained open to more and genuine collaborators to add value to people’s lives.

The Commissioner for Health, Mr. Kayoed Issa, said Rotary’s efforts would further improve quality of health care delivery and also make it affordable and accessible to the people.

Rotary’s District Governor D9125, Mr. Felix Obadan, stressed the importance of community health development.

He disclosed that with the support of Rotary International, the district had procured various drugs and equipment to be delivered to Sobi Specialist Hospital at the end of the mission.

The leader of the Indian medical team, Dr. Pradeep Nemani, said it was imperative for professionals in India and Nigeria to collaborate if Nigeria must benefit from technological innovations and advancement in the health sector.