The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in Kebbi state, has called on the state government to rehabilitate General Hospitals and doctors quarters in order to mitigate challenges faced by the health sector in the state.
Dr Murtala Muhammad-Dandare, made the call while briefing newsmen as part of activities marking Physicians’ Week in Birnin Kebbi on Monday
He added that,” The last time our general hospitals were repaired was about a decade ago.
“However, lack of job satisfaction due to lack of equipment, poor work environment have all become worse. Doctors need a conducive environment to practice when your work environment is not conducive it makes doctors to leave the state quickly.
“We therefore call on the government to declare state of emergency in the health sector. The government should also provide the necessary facilities and equipment to work with in order to prevent further brain drain in the state.”
Muhammad-Dandare also sought for the reviving of Kebbi State Hospital Management Service Board (KSHMSB) Law 2000.
“The reviving of the KSHMSB will go a long way in easing some of the problems we are facing in the health sector in the state today.
“The board undertakes and sustains development in the health sector, through regular monitoring and supervision of healthcare activities in the state ensuring gaps are immediately closed by innovation.
” It also coordinates, supervise and monitor the structure and services of public secondary health services delivery in the state.
“There should be domestication of 25 to 35 per cent increase in basic salary of federal doctors.
“There should be also upward review of hazard allowance.
“The federal Government officially approved the new hazard allowance for health workers in December, 2021 from N5, 000 to between N15, 000 to N40, 000 depending on the levels of the workers.
“The approval was contained in a circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S. Since then many state in Nigeria has commence payment of the new hazard allowance for it workers.
“Kebbi state is yet to approve the newly implemented hazard allowance by Federal Government.
“We therefore call on the state government to kindly domesticate the circular in the state,” he called.
Muhammad-Dandare also requested for domestication of medical residency training Act (MRTA) for doctors working with the state government.
“The doctors working with the state government who completed their bond are sponsored by the state government to various institutions of learning to specialize on various field of expertise as supernumerary resident.
“For some years now the money has not been paid by the state government. To this effect the federal government approved and passed the MRTA. So far 54 centers have already been paid Medical Residency Training Fund for the year 2023.
“We thereby request that the state government domesticates it to ensure fair welfare for medical doctors on residency training.
“Housing and car loan: for all doctors irrespective of where they work (federal or state). As is found in some state across the country. This will help to reduce and encourage doctors to stay in the state,” he requested.
The chairman recommended that the state government should as a matter of urgency implement all the recommendations of Kebbi State Strategic Health Development Plan 2018-2022.
