NMA PAYS COURTESY CALL ON THE HEAD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE OF THE FEDERATION
The NMA President, Dr Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah FNMA mni (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) today led a delegation from the association for a courtesy call on the Head of the Civil Service, FRN, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan.
At the courtesy call were Permanent Secretaries in the office of the Head of the and other top management staff.
The NMA delegation comprised of the President of CMA,Dr Osahon Enabulele and other members of the NOC.
At the courtesy visit, the President of NMA said the association came to show solidarity and to also congratulate her on her well-deserved appointment.
He also expressed the association’s appreciation of her efforts towards improving the health and well-being of Nigerians.
The main issues raised by NMA at the courtesy call included ;
- Health sector policy decision making and the need for NMA to be carried along to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Release of the white paper and subsequent Implementation of the Yayale Ahmed Report.
- Increase in the Retirement age of Nigerian Doctors to 70years for Consultants special grade 1 and 65years for other Medical and Dental Practitioners.
- Non implementation of retirement benefits for Medical and Dental Practitioners in the civil service.
- Reformation of the Scheme of service to ensure appropriate designations for Medical and Dental Practitioners.
- Assent to the National Health Bill by Mr President to ensure actualization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.
- Assisting in the efforcement of the usage of NMA Doctors Stamp to reduce quackery.
- Health Bank- to help enhance health care services by making credit facilities available at a low interest rate.
- COVID-19 PTF- NMA ought to have been playing a greater role from the onset.
- COVID-19 hazard Allowance – Only 6 Teaching Hospitals have been fully paid. The need to ensure all centers are paid was highlighted.
- Support for the building of the NMA Doctors’ House- to host NMA, CMA, WMA etc.
- Correction of the distortion between salary structure and scheme of service.
- Development of a Scheme of service for dental technologist’s to reduce quackery.
- Development of a scheme of service for Medical and Dental Practitioners.
- Implementation of the Collective bargaining agreement.
Furthermore, NMA promised to partner with her to promote the welfare of her members and the health and well being of our people
In her response;
She congratulated the President on his election and swearing in.
She said most of the requests could be substantiated . However, there was a need for more commitment to work from colleagues.
She said Doctors needed to make themselves more valuable.
On some of the issues raised, the Head of the Civil Service responded as follows;
- On the Yayale Ahmed report, she said the
the merits and demerits are being considered. - That she needed to look at the requests more critically.
- Promised to do her best to promote the interest of the profession.
4.Hammered on the need for NMA and the office of the Head of the Civil Service, FRN to work together.
- She felt sad that NMA was yet to have her own house.
- Called for the education and mentoring of young Doctors emigrating from the country for greener pastures.
- Sought for a proposal from NMA on how to improve the public sector in order to enhance her efficiency.
In conclusion, she called for sustained engagements and collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)
Stay Safe.
Dr Aniekeme Uwah JP
National Publicity Secretary
28.08.20
nationalnma.org
