The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara Chapter, has advised the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to enrol as many Nigerians as possible into the scheme to cushion fuel subsidy removal.
Dr Ola Ahmed, the branch Chairman, gave the advice on the sidelines of the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the association in Ilorin on Monday.
He noted that massive enrolment into the scheme would enhance access to affordable and qualitative healthcare among many low income earners.
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Ahmed also advised the general public to be rational in thinking, reduce unnecessary expenses and stop leaving above their means.
“I urge Nigerians to be optimistic, put your children in public schools if you cannot afford private schools. Use government hospitals if you cannot afford private,” the chairman said.
He stated that the NMA in Kwara was taking the welfare of its members seriously, adding that supports were given to ailing members and those with financial challenges.
Ahmed however commended the Kwara Government for repositioning the health sector, rehabilitating and equipping hospitals, especially Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
The chairman, however, identified too much work load and poor remuneration as some of the challenges of his members in the state.
“Many doctors have migrated internally and externally for greener pastures. The workload on the ones on ground has increased tremendously.
“However, negotiation is still going on with the government at the top most level and we are hoping that in no distance time, the state government will yield to the cry of our colleagues and implement all circulars that have to do with doctors salaries and allowances,” he said.
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Ahmed also lamented lack of sufficient water and electricity supply to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), saying the development has undermined patients care and training of students in the institution.
Consequently, he said, “the strike ultimatum declared by the Resident Doctors Association of the UITH has been extended for another three weeks to allow management improve and consolidate on the changes they have started implementing”.
The chairman listed activities marking the 2023 NMA-AGM to include medical outreach to Nigerian Police Force and award of honour to three distinguished medical practitioners.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awardees included Dr Yahaya Oloriegbe, former senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District.
Others were Dr Adegboyega Fawole and Dr Ademola Popoola of the University of Ilorin, among others. (NAN)