The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, has appealed to medical professionals to place patriotism above financial gain.
The governor made these remarks while declaring open the 45th annual general meeting of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors on Wednesday in the state.
Radda assured that his administration will continue to support all doctors in the state, make lives better, and ensure effective service delivery.
He said, “The importance of the medical profession is so much that every society needs it, and so it is important for you to also put patriotism ahead of remuneration, because the important role you play in serving the lives of the people is so critical that it needs some kind of compassion as well.
“I believe that you have been adding to the development of this nation. Without you, I don’t know where we would have been. Inshallah, we will continue to support this noble profession.
“We will continue to do all we can to improve the health status of our people. That is why so much emphasis is given on having functional primary health centres in all nooks and crannies of this state. With that, it will reduce the influx of patients to secondary and tertiary institutions.’’
President of the NARD, Dr Tope Osundara, speaking at the event, said factors associated with doctors’ migration were, among others, poor remuneration, exhaustive working conditions, and a shortage of manpower, which served as potential increases in the percentage of critically ill patients with inadequate health care workforce to cater to their health needs.
“The constant quest for better living conditions always drives migration. Migration in Nigeria is fueled by factors such as poor remuneration, exhaustive working conditions, and a shortage of manpower, which we’ve witnessed in an unprecedented way. The exodus of health workers has potentially increased the percentage of critically ill patients with an inadequate health care workforce to cater for their health needs.”
Osundara made known during the NARDA 45th annual general meeting held in Katsina State on Wednesday.
According to him, “Policies on incentives, salaries, wages should strengthen the morale of health workers, reduce attrition, and align with organisational goals. Training should also be targeted at enhancing employee skill, confidence, and dedication. For over a decade, there was no attempt through a collective bargaining agreement to enhance the salaries of medical doctors in Nigeria.
“It has been noted that the strongest reward to motivate health workers in Nigeria is payment of salary and other financial incentives.’’
He then appreciated members for being able to navigate all of the challenges.
“And I’m proud to say to you, thank you, everyone, for your dedication and hard work, which has enabled us to navigate all of these challenges. Looking back on my time as your president, it is evident that we have made giant strides in enhancing the welfare of Nardite. We have successfully fulfilled key aspects of our manifesto, prioritising the well-being of members of our team, of members as a team”, he said.
On September 15, NARD suspended its five-day warning strike after just two days, granting the Federal Government a two-week grace period to meet its demands.
The association said it would reconvene on September 26 during its Annual General Meeting to decide whether to resume the industrial action.
NARD President, Dr Tope Osundara, said the decision was reached to show goodwill to Nigerians and to allow the government time to address lingering welfare issues affecting doctors.
“It is because we want the government, having negotiated with us, to give them ample time to perfect their plans in addressing all the other concerns. Our members felt that since we’ve also extended a friendly hand, we should extend a hand of goodwill, especially to the Nigerian populace, who are grappling with the harsh economic conditions together with the challenges they face.”
He stressed that the doctors were not backing down on their demands but were only suspending action temporarily.
The PUNCH
