NMA PRESIDENT PAYS ABIA STATE GOVERNOR A COURTESY CALL
NMA PRESIDENT PAYS ABIA STATE GOVERNOR A COURTESY CALL… PROMISES TO PAY 6-9MONTHS ARREARS OF SALARIES OWED MEDICAL DOCTORS.
The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof (Dr) Innocent AO Ujah FNMA, FNAmed, mni was at the Government House, Umuahia, Abia State for a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Abia State,His Excellency, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu PhD.
Those in the President’s delegation for the courtesy call which held earlier on today included members of the National Officers Committee (NOC), namely, The Second Vice President, Dr Daiyabu Alhaji Ibrahim; The Secretary General, Dr Ekpe Philips Uche; The National Treasurer, Dr Eric Azuka Anazodo; The Immediate Past President, Dr (Prince) Francis Adedayo Faduyile; The Immediate Past Secretary General, Dr Olumiyiwa Peter Odusote and the National Publicity Secretary, Dr Aniekeme Aniefiok Uwah JP.
Other members of the delegation were Chairmen of the Abia and Ebonyi State branches , NEC members, Past Chairmen of the Abia State branch and members of the State Officers Committee (SOC)/ State Executive Council (SEC).
During the courtesy call, The President of NMA appreciated the Governor for granting the request for the courtesy call.
He also commended him for some achievements recorded in the health sector such as the State Telehealth Initiative, Employment of health personnel, Provision of the South East Zonal TB Laboratory and Isolation centers.
The President also used the opportunity to bring to the Governor’s notice some challenges militating against qualitative health care delivery in the state such as;
– Non payment of salaries to Medical personnel for 15 to 19 months.
– Non payment of the COVID-19 inducement allowances to Medical Personnel in the state.
– Non Implementation of the adjusted CONMESS in the state.
– Poor state of access road to the Abia State Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH).
– Dilapidated state of health infrastructure in the state.
– Loss of accreditation of the National Post Graduate Medical College by ABSUTH.
– Non payment of pension to retired colleagues and health personnel.
Furthermore, apart from the President requesting for the challenges to be addressed by the government, he also called for NMA to be carried along in health policy formulations, enforcement of the use of NMA Doctor’s Stamp and support for the building of the NMA House in Abuja.
In his response, the Governor welcomed the President and members of the NMA delegation to Government House Umuahia,Abia State.
He also congratulated the President on his victory at the polls during the May 30, 2020 NMA national Elections.
Furthermore, in his remark, he commended our colleagues, especially those in the COVID-19 response team for their hardwork and for how he was catered for when he tested positive to COVID-19.
He also talked about the financial challenges being faced in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has adversely affected payment of salaries and provision of highly required health infrastructure and equipment.
Highlights of his response to the NMA President’s requests were;
– Completion of work on the access road to Abia State University Teaching Hospital ABSUTH.
– Payment of 6-9months arrears of salaries.
– Payment of COVID-19 inducement allowances.
Mr President departs Abia State tomorrow for another official engagement.
Dr Aniekeme Uwah JP
National Publicity Secretary
24.11.20
nationalnma.org
