The National President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Muhammad Usman Suleiman, has commended Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for what he described as the highest Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) allocation by a Nigerian state government, including the Federal Government.
Suleiman made the commendation during an official visit to Anambra, where he led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike.
The NARD president said the Soludo administration had also been among the first state governments to implement the revised salary structure for resident doctors following the Federal Government’s adjustment of remuneration for health workers.
He said the state’s investment in residency training and improved welfare had created an environment that encouraged resident doctors to remain committed to specialist training and healthcare delivery.
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Suleiman described the Medical Residency Training Fund as critical to the professional development and career progression of resident doctors, saying Anambra’s investment demonstrated the importance of supporting medical training as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
He also commended the state government’s investment in health infrastructure, including the Trauma Centre at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, as well as efforts to secure accreditation for departments at the facility.
According to him, accreditation is critical to residency training because it determines whether resident doctors can complete their specialist programmes and qualify as consultants.
Suleiman further praised the government for the development of a Universal Health Centre near the University of Medical Sciences and Technology, saying such infrastructure would support medical education, specialist training and patient care.
He also commended Governor Soludo’s intervention following a recent assault involving a medical doctor in the state.
Suleiman said the intervention resulted in an apology and compensation for the affected doctor, adding that the Anambra case had become a reference point in NARD’s efforts to seek justice and compensation for healthcare workers subjected to violence in the course of their duties.
He commended Obidike for his support for resident doctors and other healthcare professionals, and said NARD would continue to work with the state government to promote industrial harmony and strengthen healthcare delivery.
Receiving the delegation, Obidike attributed the performance of resident doctors in the state partly to the support and motivation provided by the government.
He urged the doctors to reciprocate the support by maintaining high professional standards and showing compassion in their dealings with patients.
The commissioner also announced plans by the state Ministry of Health to re-accredit all public and private hospitals in Anambra to ensure that healthcare facilities meet the required standards for the provision of safe and quality services.
He said accredited hospitals would be identified with official banners indicating that they have met the required standards for healthcare delivery.
Obidike advised residents to seek medical services from accredited facilities, adding that patients dissatisfied with treatment received at accredited hospitals could lodge complaints with the Ministry of Health.
He said the ministry would work to resolve such complaints within 48 hours.
The NARD delegation included the President of the Anambra State Association of Resident Doctors and the President of the Association of Resident Doctors at COOUTH, Dr. Joy Okwumuo.
Suleiman said the visit was aimed at appreciating the state government for its support and strengthening collaboration between NARD and the Anambra health authorities.
The engagement highlights the importance of sustained investment in medical residency training, healthcare infrastructure and the welfare of doctors as Nigeria seeks to strengthen specialist medical capacity and improve healthcare delivery.
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