We provide Instant breaking news alerts and information about the day's most talked-about stories around Nigeria, Africa and the world trending news.
The Benue chapter of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the state government to review the salary and allowances of medical and other health workers in the state.
The state NMA Chairman, Dr Ushakuma Anenga, made the call on Wednesday in Makurdi at the opening of the association’s scientific conference.
The conference was part of activities to mark the 2022 Physicians’ Week, which has the theme: `Nigeria’s Health Care Delivery System and the 2023 Democratic Transition: A Time to Change the Narrative.’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NMA Physicians’ Week is marked annually to celebrate the works of medical doctors.
Anenga said in spite of efforts of the Benue government in revamping the health sector, medical and health personnel are still not getting their dues.
The NMA chairman, therefore, said the government should approve hazard allowance for doctors and protect them from kidnappers.
“The Nigerian doctor is poorly paid, over worked, lacks necessary work tools and are a target of kidnap.
“State employed doctors are owed salaries and not paid as at when due; there is also manpower shortage.
Related Posts
“The full implementation of the minimum wage and more finances and equipment are needed, as well as improved infrastructure,” he added.
He said the situation had led to brain drain as medical doctors move to greener pastures.
“In Benue we have more patients waiting to see a few doctors, more time spent in waiting, surgeries suspended,” he said.
Anenga, however, said in spite of the challenges, the prevalence of HIV has dropped in the state while Benue was the best in vaccine coverage in North Central.
“Residency training funds for aiding doctors’ exams fees are paid, the Benue state government was the first to domesticate and implement it fully.
“We have ongoing renovations at many general hospitals, the Benue University Teaching Hospital and primary health centres are underway.
According to him, there is significant infrastructure development, especially in the area of primary health care in the state.
The NMA chairman advised members of the union to join politics to push for the prioritisation of the health sector by government.
