The Cross River government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery and the welfare of medical doctors and other health professionals across the state as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare services.

Deputy Governor Peter Odey gave the assurance in Calabar on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), led by outgoing president Mohammad Suleiman.

Mr Odey said Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has prioritised healthcare under its People First agenda, implementing measures to improve residents’ access to quality medical services across the state.

According to him, the government will continue creating an enabling environment for medical practitioners to work, advance their careers and contribute effectively to strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system.

The deputy governor said improving conditions of service and strengthening healthcare institutions were critical to retaining skilled professionals and addressing the growing challenge of migration, popularly known as “Japa” abroad.

He said the government was taking deliberate steps to make the state attractive to doctors and other health workers while ensuring residents continued to receive quality and affordable healthcare services.

“We recognise the importance of our doctors and other healthcare professionals to the success of the health sector. We will continue to support measures that improve their welfare, working conditions and development,” he said.

Mr Odey commended NARD for choosing Cross River as host of its 46th Annual General Meeting, describing the gathering as an important platform for professional engagement and healthcare policy discussions. He said the meeting would encourage knowledge sharing, professional collaboration and meaningful discussions on the future of healthcare delivery, medical practice and health sector reforms in Nigeria.

Mr Suleiman commended the Cross River government for what he described as its commitment to improving the welfare of citizens and healthcare workers through sustained investments and reforms. He highlighted interventions by the Otu administration in the health sector, including the reported 100 per cent implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical personnel.

According to him, the implementation has significantly improved the welfare and working conditions of medical doctors and other healthcare professionals, while boosting morale and service delivery statewide.

Mr Suleiman also cited the upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centres, strengthening of the Hospital Management Board, enactment of the Medical Quackery Prohibition Law and establishment of the Drug Management Agency.

He said the measures would strengthen healthcare administration, curb quackery, improve regulation of medical practice and enhance service delivery for residents across communities in the state.

The NARD leader further commended the extension of the retirement age for health workers to 65 years and the lifting of the employment embargo in the sector. He said recruiting medical specialists and other health personnel would strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve the state’s capacity to provide specialised medical services.

Mr Suleiman expressed appreciation to the Otu administration for creating what he described as an environment that supported professional development, workers’ welfare and improved healthcare services for residents.

(NAN)