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NMA urges FCTA not to terminate concession agreement with NISA Medical Group
By Matthew Eloyi
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), FCT Chapter has urged the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) not to abruptly terminate the management concession agreement between it and the NISA Medical Group.
It was learned that NISA manages the General Hospital, Garki, Abuja, on behalf of the FCTA under a 15-year concession agreement.
Dr Enema Amodu, Chairman of the NMA FCT, made the appeal on Friday at a press conference, adding that the FCT Administration’s one-month termination notice to the NISA Medical Group was not a fair one.
He said it had also become necessary to shelve the planned contract termination because some NMA members and other medical personnel in the hospital were currently undergoing post-graduate programmes in the hospital , in addition to the freshly graduated doctors who were also doing their housemanship in the facility.
In his words, “On the abrupt termination of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the NISA Medical Group and the FCTA at Garki hospital, the NMA FCT totally and completely rejects the position of the FCTA.
“FCTA move will terminate the post-graduate medical training of doctors, as well as internship programmes of doctors, pharmacists and nurses who are currently running their programmes in the institution.
“These prgrammes require a definite period for proper completion and exit. These accredited programmes are supervised by the highly exalted National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria and other similar international bodies.’’
If the FCTA was terminating the concession agreement due to an alleged N131 million owed by the NISA Medical Group, Amodu suggested that all parties meet to settle the issue.
He urged the FCTA to change its stance on the contract’s termination.
According to Amodu, the NMA FCT has noted with dismay the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s haphazard and irregular assignment of house officers to the hospital.
He emphasized the association’s concern with the practice, emphasizing the importance of the mandated housemanship time for new medical school graduates.
He advocated for reorganizing the process to ensure a smooth transfer and placement of medical doctors.
Amodu remarked that the current scenario was undesirable and that it fell short of the desired goal’s expectations, claiming that the central posting had created a larger problem.
He suggested that the Federal Ministry of Health return to the prior situation of allowing institutions to hire and pay doctors in order to avoid the unnecessary delays that are currently occurring.
The NMA FCT Chairman further suggested that the proposed new hazard allowance be applied to all medical doctors and health workers, regardless of their duty status.
He claimed that every health care worker was exposed to the risks of the profession wherever he worked and, as a result, deserved to be compensated appropriately.
Mr Moses Ebute (SAN), Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Abuja chapter, who was also present at the press briefing, slammed the FCTA’s one-month notice to NISA Medical Group.
The legal profession was particularly concerned, he said, because the FCTA’s use of the term “abrupt termination” implies that the contract was terminated without further discussion.
If the NISA Medical Group is unable to vacate the premises within the one-month notice provided by the FCTA, he said it should not be evicted because the one-month notice is insufficient.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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