Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and enhancing the welfare of medical professionals across the state.
Odey spoke on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), led by its outgoing National President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Calabar.
The Deputy Governor said the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu had prioritised healthcare as a key component of its People First agenda, noting that the government would continue to implement policies aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services.
He assured resident doctors and other health professionals that the administration would continue to create an enabling environment for medical practitioners to work, develop their careers and contribute to the state’s healthcare system.
According to him, the government is also focused on improving conditions of service, strengthening healthcare institutions and addressing factors contributing to the migration of medical professionals, popularly known as “Japa”.
Odey said such measures were necessary to retain skilled doctors and other healthcare professionals in the state and ensure continuity in the delivery of quality medical services.
He also commended NARD for choosing Cross River State to host its 46th Annual General Meeting, describing the event as an opportunity for professional exchange, knowledge sharing and discussions on the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Earlier, the outgoing NARD National President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, commended the Cross River State Government for what he described as its commitment to the welfare of citizens and healthcare workers.
Suleiman highlighted several interventions by the Otu administration in the health sector, including the reported 100 per cent implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
He said the implementation had contributed to improving the welfare and working conditions of medical doctors and other health professionals in the state.
The NARD leader also commended the government for upgrading Primary Healthcare Centres, strengthening the Hospital Management Board, enacting the Medical Quackery Prohibition Law and establishing the Drug Management Agency.
He said the measures would help strengthen healthcare administration and improve service delivery across the state.
Suleiman further cited the extension of the retirement age for health workers to 65 years and the lifting of the employment embargo, including the recruitment of medical specialists, as measures capable of strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce.
He expressed appreciation to the Otu administration for creating what he described as an environment that supports the professional development and welfare of healthcare workers while improving healthcare services for residents.
Suleiman disclosed that the delegation’s visit was part of activities leading to the 46th NARD Annual General Meeting and the inauguration of the association’s incoming National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko.
The conference is scheduled to hold in Calabar, with the opening ceremony slated for Thursday and the inauguration of the new national president and executive members scheduled for Friday.