…charges govt on prompt payment of remunerations, elect new Exco
By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State Branch, has frowned at government at all levels over non-remittance entitlements, charged to them be proactive on prompt payment of workers’ salaries, outstanding arrears, and implementation of new hazard allowances.
The body bemoaned an ugly development where medical practitioners are jetting out of the country on daily basis in search of greener pastures in foreign lands due to an insensitive attitude by those in positions of authority in Nigeria. They said government’s poor handling of the situation has led to several outstanding arrears of salaries owned workers and many obsolete equipment in the hospital laboratories across the country.
Speaking with Dispatch Newspaper at a press briefing held at the Dome of Doctor’s House in Ado-Ekiti as part of the activities to commemorate the 25-Years Anniversary and Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigeria Medical Association, Ekiti Branch with the themes: Advancing Healthcare And Modern Technology”, And “Medical Brain Drain: A Neglected Ticking Bomb!”, Chairman of the association, Dr Babatunde Rosiji said that they have resolved that the NMA should engage both the outgoing and incoming governments in the state on the welfare of their colleagues who are working day and night.
He said: “The AGM observed the lack of involvement of NMA in the final draft and implementation of Sexual Assault Referral law, the bill affecting Healthcare delivery in Ekiti State (PHCDA anti-quackery) needs amendment.
“We also observed the perennial problem of delayed and non-remittance of deductions and lack of payment of salary arrears and other emoluments, and non-implemention of the new Hazard allowances, the Scientific Conference reiterated the fact that mass exodus of Nigerian Doctors and health professionals is due to poor working conditions and poor remuneration, we also determined that the healthcare delivery in Ekiti State can be improved greatly through the use of innovative the and focusing on staff welfare”, he said.
The NMA boss also advised that government should employ more Doctors and work more on infrastructural development and improve working conditions in those hospitals, MOH, MOJ and Ekiti State House of Assembly to also be engaged on getting the various bill amended.
The association observed that the Ekiti State government is trying in the area of investment in the health sector but the healthcare delivery in the state can be improved greatly through more investment in innovative technology and focusing on staff welfare.
NMA also enjoined government and other stakeholders to address and take a drastic measures that will nip in the bud the issue of quackery among the doctors in the state.
The immediate past Secretary of the association, Dr Ayodeji Oluwayemi who spoke with newsmen shortly after the event expressed his satisfaction on the support received during the week-long programs.
He urged members of the public not to rest on their oars in praying for the medical practitioners across the state, knowing fully well that it is a kind of job that goes with it’s associated hazards.
The NMA poll was rancour-free and it produced the newly elected executives who are, Dr Babatunde Olaniyi Rosiji as the Chairman, Dr. Titilayo Adetoyinbo as the 1st Vice Chairman, Dr. Austine Ibikunle became the 2nd Vice Chairman, Dr Moses Blessing Dada as the Secretary, while Dr Temitope Jolayemi became the 1st Assistant Secretary and Dr Johnson Adaramola became the 2nd Assistant Secretary respectively.
Other exco members who emerged are; Dr. Yemisi Olubukola Abidakun, the new Treasurer, Dr. Mercy Akinwumi, as the new Publicity Director, Dr Timothy Olalekan Fasipe is the new Financial Director, while the two other Ex-officios included Dr.Kayode Ebenezer Ariyibi and Dr. Ayodeji Oluwayemi.