Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 07/Aug 11:36

Ondo NMA conference: Ex-Chairman commends Aiyedatiwa, Laments Japa Syndrome

The outgoing Chairman of the Ondo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, said the state government has approved the implementation of enhanced Salaries for medical doctors through the domestication of the new consolidated medical salary structure.Adeyemi-Osowe, spoke at at the 47th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association.The Doctor who has handed over to a new chairman said this will further boost the welfare of medical doctors in the state.The theme for this year’s conference is “Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Service Delivery: The Ondo State Doctors.”He noted that the current economic challenges have forced many of his colleagues to seek opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders.He listed escalating fuel prices due to subsidy removals, rising inflation, the scourge of kidnapping and banditry, and many other factors as reasons why many health workers are seeking greener pastures outside the country.He said, “This is a time marked by economic challenges, escalating fuel prices due to subsidy removals, rising inflation, the scourge of kidnapping and banditry, and many of our colleagues have sought opportunities beyond our borders.“These challenges are forcing many health workers to leave the country with their families in droves.”He, however, said that despite the mass exodus of medical doctors and others, some have decided to remain to serve their fatherland in the health sector.Adeyemi-Osowe commended his colleagues for their doggedness, perseverance, and courage to remain and serve in Nigeria. He added, “Despite this mass exodus, your doggedness, perseverance, and courage to remain and serve in Nigeria stand as a testament to your dedication and patriotism.”He listed some achievements recorded under his tenure, including the approval and implementation of hazard allowances and the domestication of a new entry point for young medical doctors into the state civil service.The state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said his administration has embarked on recruiting health workers to fill the gaps in the health sector.He added that his government is implementing policies to address gaps in health facilities in the state.He noted that the state health insurance scheme would allow the government to fund the sector significantly.“Our Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has identified the gaps in the health sector and is bridging these gaps every day. He is providing quality health programmes for the people of the state.“He has employed more health workers to fill the vacancies left behind by those who left the country for greener pastures,” Ajaka stressed.