The Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) Kogi chapter has sounded the alarm over the dearth of qualified medical doctors in secondary and tertiary health institutions, as well as the insufficient welfare package provided for doctors in the state.
Expressing deep concern, the association has also denounced the prolonged delays in paying monthly salaries to doctors at the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja and the Prince Abubakar Audu Teaching Hospital in Anyigba.
During their Ordinary General Meeting themed “Retire Early, Retire Ready” held in Lokoja, the NMA issued a resolute communiqué jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Baoku Olusola, and Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Kelvin.
In the communiqué, the NMA lamented the substantial human resource and manpower gaps prevalent across various healthcare institutions in Kogi state. This worrisome situation casts a dark shadow over the state’s healthcare sector. Urging the state government to take immediate action, the association called for the recruitment of more qualified doctors to address the prevalent gaps in healthcare institutions. Additionally, the NMA demanded prompt and regular payment of salaries to doctors and other healthcare workers at the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja and the Prince Abubakar Audu Teaching Hospital in Anyigba.
Furthermore, the NMA beseeched the state governor to swiftly approve and implement comprehensive welfare packages specifically designed for doctors in the state. Among the key provisions, the association emphasized the necessity of a new hazard allowance. While delivering their message, the NMA expressed appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for his commendable efforts and substantial investments in critical infrastructure within various health institutions across the state.