By Halima Isah
The Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for fulfilling his campaign promises to implement a 100 percent payment of hazard allowance to medical professionals employed by the state government.
This was made known on Friday in an official statement released by the Chairman of NMA, Dr. Baoku Olusola, jointly signed alongside the Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Aiyebowan in Lokoja.
They expressed their gratitude on behalf of members to the state governor for being a promise-keeper and showing so far, in his short stay in office, that he has the welfare of the healthcare workers across the state at heart.
According to the statement, the government’s commitment to prioritise the welfare of health workers would reverse the brain drain and halt the mass exodus of doctors to federal health institutions, and also attract more doctors into the state, and improve the commitment and dedication of Kogi State doctors to saving lives.
The NMA also acknowledged the role played by the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in advocating for the initiative, adding that his contributions to healthcare development in the history of Kogi State would be remembered in time in memorial.
The statement reads:
“This indeed marks the beginning of a great start and greater things to come, and for this, Kogi doctors are thankful. Clearly, this is also an attestation to the commitment of this administration to continue to prioritise the welfare of doctors.
“A demonstration of the goodwill of the government and the continuation of fruitful and progressive partnership towards taking the Kogi State health sector to an enviable and admirable height of excellence.
“Kogi State had over the years invested massively in health infrastructures. This is the phase to invest in human capital development via good welfare packages, improved salaries, and wages for doctors which the state has now begun and we are delighted.”
The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the present administration to further advance healthcare initiatives and address challenges within the sector for efficient service delivery.
