From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has earned the commendation of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, for its bold interventions in the health sector, including the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS.
Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, received the commendation on Tuesday when the outgoing National President of NARD, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, led a delegation to the Government House, Calabar.
Dr. Suleiman said the Otu administration has shown uncommon commitment to the welfare of health workers and the reform of the healthcare system.
He listed the 100 per cent implementation of CONMESS, 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 as major milestones.
He also lauded the extension of retirement age for health workers to 65 years and the lifting of the employment embargo, including recruitment of medical specialists, noting that the measures would boost manpower and service delivery.
Responding, Deputy Governor Odey said the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu has deliberately prioritised health as a core pillar of its People First agenda.
Odey assured that government will sustain policies that create a conducive environment for doctors and other professionals to thrive in the state.
According to him, improving conditions of service and strengthening health institutions will discourage the Japa syndrome and encourage doctors to stay and contribute to the state’s development.
Odey thanked NARD for choosing Cross River to host its 46th Annual General Meeting, describing the conference as a platform for knowledge sharing and shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
(The Sun)
