The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commended the Cross River State Government for implementing reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving the welfare of medical professionals.
The outgoing National President of NARD, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, gave the commendation when he led a delegation of the association on a visit to the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Odey, ahead of NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar.
Receiving the delegation, Odey said healthcare remained one of the key pillars of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda, adding that the administration was committed to improving healthcare institutions and creating a conducive environment for medical professionals.
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The Deputy Governor said the government would “continue to implement policies that improve access to quality healthcare, while creating an enabling environment for medical professionals to practise and build their careers in Cross River.”
Odey explained that the government would also continue to improve conditions of service and strengthen the healthcare workforce to address the “Japa” trend among medical professionals.
He appreciated NARD for choosing Cross River State to host its 46th Annual General Meeting, expressing optimism that the gathering would provide a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Suleiman described Cross River’s full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) as “a significant step towards improving the welfare and working conditions of medical doctors and other health professionals.”
The NARD president also commended the state government for rehabilitating some Primary Healthcare Centres, strengthening the Hospital Management Board, enacting the Medical Quackery Prohibition Law and establishing a Drug Management Agency.
“These measures will contribute to strengthening healthcare administration and service delivery,” Suleiman said, while also acknowledging the extension of the retirement age for health workers to 65 years.
He disclosed that NARD’s Annual General Meeting would climax with the inauguration of the association’s 46th National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, and members of his executive.
