NMA calls on government to prioritize doctors’ welfare
NMA calls on government to prioritize doctors’ welfare
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on employers of medical personnel, including the government, to prioritize the welfare of doctors as a crucial step toward tackling the persistent issue of “japa syndrome” in the country.
Prof. Bala Audu, President of the association, emphasized this during a press interaction in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the grand reception organized by the NMA to honor the newly appointed commissioners and Senior Special Assistants (SSA) for Medical and Insurance. The event took place on Monday at the doctors’ mess.
Audu who hinted that the shortage of medical personnel is not peculiar to Nigeria alone but the entire world said the only way to retain medical doctors is for the government at all levels to prioritize their welfare in the country.
He said, “Shortage of medical doctors is not peculiar to Akwa Ibom State alone or Nigeria, in fact, the entire world is experiencing a shortage of medical workers. What I will advise is that employers of medical personnel including governments at all levels should prioritise the welfare of doctors in order to retain them.”
He lauded the health workforce retention policy of Governor Umo Eno which he noted is aimed at prioritising the welfare of medical personnel in the state.
He called on the governor to ensure universal applicability of standards in all the health care facilities across the state.
“The health sector is a key component of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda. I have witnessed the progress made in healthcare, including the implementation of the health workforce retention policy. Regardless of the investments in health infrastructure and facility upgrades, it is essential to ensure unity within the health workforce, especially among the professional associations.”
