ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS OF NIGERIA HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AT JUTH
The Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON) has commended the management of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for its support and commitment to medical social work, as the hospital hosts the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Speaking during the meeting, the National President of the association, Dr. Kayode Anthony O., expressed appreciation to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of JUTH and the hospital’s management for the warm reception and support extended to members of the association.
Dr. Anthony described the decision to host this year’s AGM at JUTH as a worthwhile one, noting that the hospital has continued to develop and produce competent professionals who contribute meaningfully to the advancement of medical social work in Nigeria. He particularly commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC), headed by the President of the Plateau State Chapter, who also serves as the Head of the Medical Social Work Department at JUTH, for the dedication and commitment demonstrated in preparing for the successful hosting of the event.
The national president acknowledged the concerns surrounding security in Jos but noted that the association was pleased to be in the city and had enjoyed a positive experience. He described Jos as a beautiful and welcoming destination and prayed for the continued peace, stability and security of Plateau State.
Dr. Anthony also highlighted the critical role of medical social workers in healthcare delivery, particularly in addressing the psychosocial challenges confronting patients and their families. He explained that many patient-related challenges extend beyond medical diagnosis and prescription, requiring specialised social support and professional intervention.
According to him, medical social workers complement the efforts of doctors by addressing the social and psychological factors that may affect patients’ recovery, treatment compliance and overall well-being. “Where the doctor stops, the medical social worker continues,” he noted, underscoring the importance of collaboration between medical practitioners and social work professionals in achieving comprehensive patient care.
JUTH Reaffirms Support for Medical Social Work
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (Clinical Services), Dr. Nankling Lamu, thanked the national president, his team and the National Executive Committee of the association for their kind remarks and for recognising JUTH’s contributions to medical social work.
Dr. Lamu described medical social work as a specialised professional discipline that plays a vital role in healthcare delivery, particularly in supporting indigent patients and individuals facing social and economic difficulties that may hinder access to treatment.
she observed that Nigeria’s prevailing socioeconomic challenges have increased the need for medical social workers, whose interventions help bridge the gap between patients’ medical needs and the social circumstances affecting their access to and continuity of care.
She reaffirmed the hospital’s recognition of the important role medical social workers play in promoting patient welfare and improving healthcare outcomes, noting that their professional expertise remains essential to the delivery of holistic and patient-centred healthcare.
Dr. Lamu also described the theme of this year’s conference”Bridging Boundaries collaborative solution to social issues in the Health sector”as timely and relevant to contemporary healthcare challenges. She particularly commended Mrs Rhoda G Dauji and staff of the Department of medical social work JUTH for their services in the Hospital also, the inclusion of training among the conference activities, noting that continuous professional development is essential for strengthening the capacity of medical social workers and improving the quality of services they provide. The Annual General Meeting provides a platform for members of the association to review their professional activities, exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration and explore strategies for addressing emerging issues.
GALLERY
