The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has commended the Cross River State Government for its efforts in reforming the healthcare sector. The commendation was given by the outgoing National President of NARD, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, when he led a delegation to the Government House in Calabar. The delegation met with Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who received the commendation on behalf of the state government.
According to Dr. Suleiman, the Cross River State Government has shown a strong commitment to the welfare of health workers and the reform of the healthcare system. He listed several major milestones achieved by the government, including the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS. The implementation of CONMESS is a significant achievement, as it ensures that medical workers in the state receive a standardized salary structure.
Dr. Suleiman also lauded the state government for upgrading Primary Healthcare Centres, strengthening the Hospital Management Board, and enacting the Medical Quackery Prohibition Law. Additionally, he commended the government for establishing the Drug Management Agency, which will help regulate the distribution and sale of drugs in the state. These reforms aim to improve the overall quality of healthcare services in Cross River State.
The NARD president also praised the state government for extending the retirement age for health workers to 65 years and lifting the employment embargo. The lifting of the embargo has enabled the recruitment of medical specialists, which will help boost manpower and service delivery in the state's healthcare sector. These measures are expected to have a positive impact on the state's healthcare system.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey responded by stating that the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu has prioritized health as a core pillar of its People First agenda. He assured that the government will sustain policies that create a conducive environment for doctors and other professionals to thrive in the state. This includes improving conditions of service and strengthening health institutions.
Odey also noted that the government's efforts to improve conditions of service and strengthen health institutions will help discourage the Japa syndrome, a phenomenon where medical professionals leave the country in search of better opportunities. By creating a conducive environment for medical professionals, the government hopes to encourage them to stay and contribute to the state's development.
Finally, Deputy Governor Odey thanked NARD for choosing Cross River State to host its 46th Annual General Meeting. He described the conference as a platform for knowledge sharing and shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria. The meeting is expected to bring together medical professionals from across the country to discuss issues related to healthcare and medical practice.
Key points
- The Cross River State Government has implemented 100% CONMESS, a major milestone in its efforts to reform the healthcare sector.
- The state government has also upgraded Primary Healthcare Centres, strengthened the Hospital Management Board, and enacted the Medical Quackery Prohibition Law.
- The government's efforts aim to improve the overall quality of healthcare services in Cross River State and encourage medical professionals to stay and contribute to the state's development.
