The Executive Medical Director, Regions Healthcare, Prof Benjamin Anyanwu says the Distinguished Medical Practitioner Award conferred on him by the Nigerian Medical Association, Imo State in recognition of his enormous contributions to NMA and humanity at large is special to him because it came from his primary constituency.
Prof Anyanwu stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after receiving the award on the occasion of the 2025 luncheon as part of activities marking the grand finale of this year’s Physicians’ week of the NMA, Imo State with the theme “Healthcare as a value chain, building efficiency from policy to patient” and sub theme “All ethics and the physician’s role in modern healthcare,” held last Sunday at Foret Events Centre, off Portharcout Road, Owerri.
He disclosed that this is not the first time he has received an award, and emphasized that he has received a lot of awards from the association, and the country, stressing that he received National Diaspora Commission Award in Abuja in July this year.
The Distinguished Medical Practitioner expressed delight on the honour done him by the association, pointing out that the award has spurred him for more and harder work for the well-being of humanity and improved healthcare among Imo citizens and Nigerians at large.
“This award is the highest award NMA can give, it is so great, it is a call to service. I will ensure that health services reach the highest level instead of Nigerians seeking medical attention abroad. I want doctors to stay here, shun brain drain and build this country to be enviable. I want to see Nigeria develop into a position Nigerian doctors would not go abroad for greener pastures”, he revealed.
Prof Anyanwu identified physicians’ week as a week set aside for doctors to come together with their families, relax and ease off stress associated with medical practice, noting that because of the nature of their job, they hardly find time to engage in recreational activities.
He recalled that the number one calling of a doctor is for him to understand that he should take care of people physically and emotionally by not doing harm to patients and being their brothers’ keeper.
Prof Anyanwu urged the doctors to uphold high level of professionalism in practice and always operate according to the dictates of the medical profession.
Speaking with newsmen on the occasion, the chairman, NMA, Imo State, Dr Bartholomew Uzodinma Emecheta said their elders in their wisdom set aside the week because according to him, “All works no play makes Jack a dull boy. The doctors, because of stress, sometimes forget themselves.
This programme gives the doctors the platform to brainstorm on some issues and profer solution. It is a week we give back to society, and a week of arms giving”, he maintained.
