NMA/ doctors
Nigerian Medical Association Laments Deteriorating Doctor-Patient Ratio

Kaduna Govt, NMA partner to tackle health challenges, drug abuse

HEALTHDIGEST– Kaduna State Government says it will partner with the Nigeria Medical Association and Medical Women Association of Nigeria, to address health challenges and drug abuse in the state.

The Acting Governor of the state, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, said this when members of the associations paid her a courtesy visit on Wednesday.

She said that such collaboration would push forward the agenda for better healthcare service delivery to the people.

“We want to see a situation where our children are healthy, and we need to strengthen our engagement with the ministry of health,” she added.

Dr. Balarabe said that effective collaboration between government and the associations would assist in curtailing the rising spate of drug abuse among the youths in the state.

She noted that medical practitioners have greater roles to play in ensuring successful eradication of drug abuse and addressing challenges bedeviling the health sector, adding that, “there is need for change to make a difference.”

The acting governor stressed the need for more synergy between government agencies and the associations to promote capacity building, work ethics, and to increase immunisation coverage as well as stem Gender Base Violence.

She commended members of the associations for their understanding and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, Dr. Zainab Mohammed, Chairman of the NMA, said the visit was to formally present the newly inaugurated executive members of the association to the governor.

She said the association was working towards enhancing the delivery of quality healthcare services, provide support services to orphans, schools and the less privileged in the society.

“We carry out activities such as outreaches on issues of topical interest and make contributions in state health policy and other initiatives of the government,” she said.

Dr. Aliyu Sakomba, on his part, called for the review of doctors’ salaries, especially those engaged by the state government.

He described it as the least compared to that of their colleagues in other states in the northern region.

( NAN)