The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Ondo State chapter, Dr Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, has commended the state government for implementing enhanced salaries for medical doctors.

Mr Adeyemi-Osowe gave the commendation while speaking at the 47th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the association on Wednesday in Akure.

This year’s conference has as its theme: “Bridging the gap in healthcare service delivery: The ondo state doctors.”

According to Mr Adeyemi-Osowe, the enhanced salary payment for medical doctors was implemented through the domestication of the new consolidated medical salary structure by the state government.

The former NMA chairman, who had since handed over to his successor, Dr Abel Alonge, said that the improved salary would further boost the welfare of medical doctors in the state.

He said that the current economic challenges forced many of his colleagues to seek opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“This is a time marked by economic challenges, escalating fuel prices due to subsidy removal, rising inflation, the scourge of kidnapping and banditry, and many of our colleagues have sought opportunities beyond our borders. These challenges are forcing many health workers to leave the country with their families in droves,” he said.

Mr Adeyemi-Osowe, however, said that despite the exodus of medical doctors and other health workers, some had decided to remain in Nigeria to serve their fatherland.

He commended his colleagues for their doggedness, perseverance and courage to remain and serve the country.

“Despite this mass exodus, your doggedness, perseverance and courage to remain and serve in Nigeria stand as a testament to your dedication and patriotism,” he said.

The medical practitioner listed some achievements recorded under his tenure to include the approval and implementation of hazard allowances and domestication of a new entry point for young medical doctors into the state civil service.

Speaking at the occasion, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said that his administration had embarked on recruiting health workers to fill the gaps in the health sector.

Mr Aiyedatiwa stated that his government was implementing programmes and policies that would address the gaps in the health facilities in the state.

He particularly noted that the state health insurance scheme would allow the government to fund the sector significantly. 

(NAN)