The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA), have urged the Nigerian government to proffer a lasting solution to the health crisis in Nigeria to enhance effective health delivery.
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The President of the Association, Dr Nnamdi Nd-Ezuma made the call at a press briefing to mark the beginning of the 2021 Annual Health Week of the Association in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
He said that various activities have been lined up for the weekend event.
The events which are with the sole aim of projecting the image of the association in various capacities by giving back to the society are: free medical care, rural developmental projects, health talks, continued medical educations and personal developments.
According to the president, the year 2021 commenced with adaptations to the new perceived way of life from compulsory use of face mask to social distancing and less crowding, it also exposed the lacuna in Nigeria’s health systems.
He said that the lacuna has ultimately culminated in agitations from different health bodies that led to a national strike by NARD.
“In April, this was later suspended after 2weeks but after failed negotiations a full scale industrial action was embarked on in August for 2months. During this time there was a mass exodus of medical Professional of all cadre to climes with better health systems and remunerations, it also increased the distrust between the government and the health professionals especially the doctors”. He said.
The theme for this year’s 2021 annual health week “The unresolved crises in Nigeria healthcare sector” was identified and chosen with the aim of discussing the different source of this crises and also proffer possible solutions to the long lasting problems, the lecture will be delivered by Dr Ahmed Danfulani, the Program Director, Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA health insurance scheme.
“The sub themes which talk about its impact on clinical practice and patient care , the role of government media, civil society and general public and the vilification of medical doctors in Nigeria have been identified and will be discussed by panelist who will give their views based on their perspectives, all this is to enable us come out with possible solutions to this long lasting medical crises” he added.
The president encourage members of the Association to take the week seriously as it would be for their interest and the interest of the people in the Federal Capital Territory.
He also appreciated the Minister of FCT for his keen interest in the plight and welfare of health care workers in FCT, and also implore him to kindly look into the demands of the association and Health Care Providers at large.
Adding that the irregularities in salaries from IPPIS , Medical residency Training fund , promotion arrears, and other issues affecting ARD, needed to be addressed as ” this will go a long way in maintaining the industrial harmony enjoyed over the years”.
