The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Kwara Chapter on Monday in Ilorin advised Nigerians to re-strategise and reduce unnecessary expenses.
Dr Ola Ahmed, the Chairman of Kwara NMA gave the advise while delivering his speech as part of the activities marking the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the Association.
He observed that the challenges have become enourmous for the whole country, adding that people should be careful and avoid living beyond their means, to avoid giving themselves stress that will lead to illness.
“I urge Nigerians to be optimistic, put your children in public schools if you cannot afford private. Use government hospital if you cannot afford private,” Ahmed advised.
The NMA chairman pointed out that this is the opportunity for the Health Insurance Schemes to function optimally across states of the federation, adding that Nigerians should be able to access healthcare services.
Similarly, he stated that the Kwara NMA is taking the welfare of its members serously, adding that support are giving to ailing members and those with financial challenges due to non-payment of salaries.
He commended the Kwara government for repositioning the health sector, rehabilitation and equipping hospitals and Primary Health Care (PHC) centres among others.
Ahmed however observed that welfare of doctors in terms of work load and poor remuneration has been a major challenge faced by the doctors in the state.
“Many doctors have migrated internally and externally for greener pasture. The workload on the ones on ground has increased tremendously.
“However, negotiation is still going on with the government at the top most level and we are hoping that in no distance time, the state government will yield to the cry of our colleagues and implement all circulars that has to do with doctors salaries and allowances,” he said.
He also admonished the state government not to allow the Medical Labouratory Scientist to push them into taking actions that will destabilize the delivery of health care services in the state hospital.
The NMA chairman lamented at the state of infrastructural challenge, including water and light which has persisted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).
He explained that these challenges had grossly impacted on patients care and training in the institution.
“The strike ultimatum declared by the Resident Doctors Association of the UITH has been extended for another three weeks to allow management improve and consolidate on the changes they have started implementing,” he said.
Ahmed disclosed that part of the activities of the 2023 NMA-AGM includes medical outreach to Nigerian Police Force and award of honour to three distinguished medical practitioners.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awardees includes; Dr Yahaya Oloriegbe, former senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial Districts.
Others includes Dr Adegboyega Fawole and Dr Ademola Popoola of the University of Ilorin.
