By Collins Osuji, Owerri
Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Imo State chapter has conferred a meritorious award on Prof. Maurice Iwu in recognition of his outstanding achievements particularly on health development in the country.
The award was presented by the State Chairman of the body, Dr. Kyrian Duruewuru to the professor of pharmacognosy at the 2019 Physicians’ Week held in Owerri recently.
Speaking at the event, Duruewuru also commended Prof. Iwu for his selfless and impactful services to humanity stressing that the award would encourage him to do more.
He also urged other Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the Ehime LGA born Internationally acclaimed medical expert and make positive contributions for the general well being of the people.
Responding, Prof. Iwu who is the President of Bioresources Development Group (BGD) expressed gratitude for the recognition and urged the medical practitioners to live up to their calling and catering to the needs of the poor and the elderly.
He reiterated that medical practitioners owe the society the duty to save lives, profer solutions to challenges confronting the health sector as well as guide the government in formulating policies aimed at ensuring effective health service delivery.
The former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC also implored on the use of natural medicine and non drug treatment options for treatment of tropical and emerging diseases.
The ex INEC boss and academic don also promised to continually contribute his quota for the growth and development of health sector across the globe as well as partner with NMA on its activities and programmes.
It would be recalled that Prof. Iwu has also received many academic and professional honours/ excellence awards from the World Health Organization (WHO), US National Research Council, Washington D.C, Columbia University among others.