The International College of Surgeons, Nigeria Section (ICS-NG), has urged newly inducted fellows to uphold integrity, professionalism and humanitarian service in their medical practice.

It also advised them to treat patients with compassion and without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or other differences.

President of ICS-NG, Prof. Bernard Jiburum, gave the charge at the induction ceremony of new fellows held during the 59th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the college in Abuja.

Jiburum stated that the college was founded on the principles of humanitarian service and urged the inductees to make themselves available to serve all members of society, especially the underprivileged.

He said, “The bedrock of the International College of Surgeons is humanitarian service.

You should see patients as people who need your expertise and offer them the best care possible. In doing so, you will find fulfilment in service,” .

Jiburum also implored the new fellows to remain active in the affairs of the college by participating in regional activities and annual scientific conferences.

He emphasized that such engagements provide opportunities for continuous learning, knowledge sharing and professional development.

Also speaking, the President-Elect of ICS-NG, Dr Grace Nwana, urged the inductees to embrace the humanitarian philosophy of the college and contribute meaningfully to community health.

She encouraged them to initiate medical outreach programmes within their areas of competence to improve access to healthcare services.

“The college is run on humanitarian principles. Always make yourself available whenever you are called upon to serve.

“You can also start medical outreach projects in areas where you can make a difference,” she said.

Similarly, Prof. Alexander Nwafor, a Professor of Urology and member of the college, described ICS as a noble surgical institution committed to saving lives through accessible healthcare services.

Nwafor urged the fellows to place patients’ welfare above all other considerations and continually improve their knowledge through collaboration and professional networking.

He said the college also provided a platform for members to publish research findings and contribute to advancements in surgical practice.

He disclosed that the college was constructing a permanent secretariat in Abuja, which would serve as a hub for professional activities and collaboration among members.

“Your induction should mark the beginning of active participation in the college. We want to see your impact and contributions to the growth of the institution.

“Always promote the ideals of ICS wherever you find yourself,” he said.

One of the inductees, Deputy Comptroller of Nigeria Constom Service, Sunusi Garba-Rimi, described his admission into the fellowship as a major milestone in his medical career.

Garba-Rimi, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said the fellowship had expanded his opportunities to contribute to healthcare delivery and humanitarian services.

He commended the leadership of the Nigerian section of the college for making the fellowship more accessible to Nigerian surgeons and specialists.

According to him, obtaining a similar qualification abroad would have been significantly more expensive.

Garba-Rimi called on government at all levels to support the activities of the college, particularly its efforts in research, surgical innovation and capacity building.

He said such support would help address the growing surgical needs of Nigerians and improve access to affordable healthcare services.