The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Jigawa State branch, Dr Umar Abdulbaseed, has lauded the state government’s investment in the state health sector.

Mr Abdulbaseed, in a statement in Dutse on Wednesday, also commended the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdullahi Muhammad’s exceptional leadership qualities and pleaded for more welfare for doctors in the state.

“As the newly elected Chairman of NMA, Jigawa State chapter, following our Annual General Meeting held on July 27, 2024, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all our hardworking doctors for their confidence in me. I am indeed honoured. Our commendation goes to Governor Umar Namadi, and Dr Abdullahi Muhammad Kainuwa, the Commissioner for Health.

“Their leadership has brought about significant advancements in our state’s healthcare system, underscoring their commitment to improving medical infrastructure and supporting our healthcare workers,” he said.

Mr Abdulbaseed explained that under Namadi’s leadership, Mr Muhammad spearheaded numerous impactful projects, including construction of a central store at Dutse Emergency Operating Centre, provision of 30 midwives’ accommodations across 30 constituencies of the state and recruitment of over 1,000 health workers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

Others the chairman said were ongoing projects such as the establishment of dialysis centres in the five emirates of the state, installation of solar power systems in major hospitals, upgrading and reconstruction of the College of Health Technology, Jahun and the construction of a permanent site for the School of Nursing Hadejia. These are commendable steps towards addressing the critical state of the health sector in the state. The establishment of new general and specialist hospitals in some local government areas, as well as the creation of a diagnostic centre in Dutse, will as well expand our healthcare capacity.

He added, “Just this week, our governor also pledged N1 billion to the state’s Social Insurance Healthcare Trust Fund, aiming to boost healthcare services for the poor and vulnerable.’’

The chairman further listed the recently inaugurated solar powered Gwari Water Project in Dutse, expected to provide potable water for the next 25 years and transfer of foreign medical students affected by the war in Sudan to Cyprus to complete their studies.

According to him, the gesture demonstrated a compassionate and proactive approach to education and professional development.

“Notwithstanding, we urge the state government to as well improve the welfare of the state’s few doctors, who face challenges related to the WHO standard doctor-patient ratio, adopting the full CONMESS salary structure, including allowances and hazard compensations akin to those in the federal government and other states. This will attract and retain more doctors, enhance efficiency in service delivery and motivate healthcare professionals in contributing to the continued success of our healthcare initiatives. We look forward to continued collaboration with the state government to further our shared goals and enhance the health and well-being of our communities,” Mr Abdulbaseed stated.

(NAN)