3 weeks ago
39 ARTICLE AD
The Nigerian Medical Doctors Association, Kaduna State chapter, has raised the alarm over the monkey pox, ebola, and lassa fever outbreak in the country.
The association’s chairman, Dr. Hassan Salihu, raised the alarm during a press conference while commemorating the ‘Physician Week’ tagged: “Ensuring Universal Applicability In Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention In the Health Care Industry” with a sub-theme: “ Mitigating the Impact of Infectious Diseases: Addressing Monkey Pox Outbreak And Beyond.”
Dr. Salihu who said that the outbreak of monkeypox and other infectious diseases was an important topic to discuss during their webinar, stressed that it aimed at providing strategies with transparent information, outline response plans, and engage the community in proactive measures to protect public health.”
He added, “We understand the concerns that this outbreak has raised, and we are committed to a robust, informed response that emphasises early detection, prompt treatment, and proactive prevention measures through; Enhanced Surveillance, Public Awareness and Education Campaigns, Vaccination and Treatment Initiatives, Strengthening Healthcare
Facilities.
The state’s lead medic explained that “even though the monkeypox disease did not affect Kaduna, we’re approaching a harmattan season. These are the times that infectious diseases go viral.
“Monkeypox is one out of the many diseases going viral, so we’re emphasising and reminding the public about the dangers of the disease so that people can take necessary steps to prevent themselves and their families from the outbreak,” Salihu alerted.
He pointed out, “Some of the steps are personal hygiene, good diet, exercise, sleeping, as well as avoiding contact with some certain animals.
“The NMA Kaduna State health teams are working tirelessly to monitor and contain any outbreak of such and prepare for future health challenges.”
Commenting on the welfare of doctors, Salihu lamented that Nigerian doctors are poorly paid, overworked, lack the necessary work tools, and are a time target for security challenges, most especially those working in rural areas.
He disclosed that doctors under the payroll of the Kaduna State Government are among the worst hit by these poor welfare conditions, saying this was largely responsible for the high turnover of doctors in the state and the mass exodus, causing both internal and external brain drain.
Salihu maintained, “It is important to note that fair and competitive remuneration play fundamental roles in attracting, motivating, and retaining talent.
“However, the current disparities in remuneration across various sectors and states in Nigeria create an uneven landscape.
“Talented healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, are increasingly drawn to opportunities abroad or within other regions/ institutions where pay and conditions are more favourable. The loss of these professionals has been detrimental to the healthcare infrastructure and ultimately affects patient care and outcomes,” he stated.
He insisted that the case for Universal Applicability in Remuneration: Equity and Fairness, Reducing Brain Drain, Boosting Morale, and Job Satisfaction, and encouraging regional equity, such as healthcare access between urban and rural areas are key factors to sustainable health care system.
“NMA Kaduna State recommends Implementing Universal Remuneration for Health Care Professionals across roles. Advocate for a national policy that defines minimum remuneration across all states,” Salihu emphasised.
In spite of the challenges, the state NMA boss commended the Kaduna State Government for the significant infrastructural development projects, especially in the area of primary healthcare as well as the upgrade of
some secondary healthcare facilities.
“I plead with the Kaduna State Government under the able leadership of Governor Uba Sani to do more in the area of human resources and welfare for healthcare workers to reverse the worrying trend of brain drain, especially among the younger generation of not only doctors but other health professionals.
“The need for the implementation of the new hazard allowance for healthcare workers, accoutrement allowance, and a sustained payment of Medical Residency Training Fund for Resident doctors.
“Also, the current power outage in most parts of Northern Nigeria has been a significant challenge in delivering quality health care in the state, causing an increase in morbidity and mortality both within hospitals and communities. We employ the relevant stakeholders to take the necessary steps to restore power supply,” he medic further championed.
Salihu, who also decried the continued captivity of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor, kidnapped 10 months ago from the National Eye Centre, Kaduna hospital quarters, said that despite the assurances of security agencies from both the State and Federal Governments in efforts to secure her release, Dr. Ganiyat, a breastfeeding mother, remains in captivity.
“We call on the Executive Governor of our dear state to please intervene and save her and reunite her with her family and colleagues,” he appealed.
