President Mohammadu Buhari has blamed the unfriendly attitude of health workers to patients, as the major factor responsible for the distrust of Nigerians in the country's health system which push them to foreign countries to seek better health care services.

Buhari made this known at the official commissioning of an International Conference Centre and Telemedicine hall and six other projects at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

The Telemedicine Hall is expected to house not less than 500 health experts, as well as ensure health care services reach the people at the grassroots. 

Speaking at the commissioning, the President laments the unhygienic and lack of housekeeping standards by caregivers. He says their hostile attitude has resulted in the loss of confidence of Nigerians in the health system even more than the lack of equipment.

Buhari speaking through the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, emphasised the need for continuous training and retraining of health workers to deliver quality health care services to Nigerians.

On his part, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health assures that the bill before the National Assembly for the establishment of the University of Medicine, Abeokuta, will be passed by April.

Speaking on the projects, the Medical Director of FMC, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu says the centre is the first in the country to have a telemedicine hall.

He adds that the centre has successfully performed more than 300 brain tumour surgeries since the establishment of the neurosurgical and cardiothoracic units.

On his part, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun in his address, assures the centre of the continued support of his administration.

Other dignitaries at the event included: The Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora amongst others.