By Cecilia Ogezi
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for improved welfare for health workers around the country as it flags off the 2021 Annual Physicians' Week in Abuja two months after the industrial strike.
In a press conference held in Abuja, the NMA president, Professor Innocent Ujah, disclosed that the week-long event being marked at both national and state levels with the theme " Nigeria In The Covid Era: Health Systems Strengthening For National Security and Prosperity", was carefully chosen to be in tandem with the prevailing devastating Covid-19 pandemic characterized by first and second waves and emerging variants.
Ujah represented by the chairman, Federal Capital Territory (NMA), Dr. Enema Amodu, further noted that the activities lined up for the week which includes brainstorming on challenges affecting the health sector, media engagements on the importance of strengthening the sector, medical outreaches and honoring outstanding physician are all built to contribute to effective health service delivery and health research for national development.
He reiterated the need for commensurate hazard allowance for health workers for renewed commitment and dedication to deliver quality health services. He called on the government to urgently address issues surrounding brain drain among medical doctors.
He disclosed that part of the activities of the week includes free medical outreaches to rural and underserved communities as part of the association's corporate social responsibility.
Also speaking, the vice-chairman, FCT, Maureen Umemmuo - Umeakuewulu stressed that as part of its contribution to society, the association will be drilling a borehole in Kokore community along the airport road of the capital city to fight the upsurge in cholera outbreak recently.
He also called on the government to avoid delays in payment of hazard allowance to motivate health workers. NNL.
