By Zayamu Hassan
Following the rising cases of sudden deaths of health workers under the employ of both the Federal government and FCT Administration, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has advised the government to subject all health workers working in the FCT to compulsory free annual basic medical check-ups.
Reading a communique at the end of the second Ordinary General Meeting of NMA, FCT chapter, in Abuja, the Chairman, Dr Enema Job Amodu, said that the compulsory free medical check-up will go a long way to picking up serious ailments early to prevent untimely deaths.
“All health workers working in both federal and FCTA health facilities within the federal capital territory should be subjected to compulsory free annual basic medical check-ups as part of their New Year programme. This will go a long way to picking up serious ailments early to prevent untimely deaths,” he stressed.
He, however, said that the NMA rejects in totality the position of the FCT administration in regards its Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with NISA medical group.
Dr Amodu said that the NMA was watching keenly as “this very unpleasant and unfortunate situation unfolds.”
According to him, the position of the FCT administration will lead to a sudden loss of jobs of close to 1000 workers which include medical doctors, nurses and other workers that have over time contributed to the enviable and successful standard of health care provided by Garki Hospital.
“The NMA FCT also note that this insensitive, unjust action will terminate the post graduate medical training as well as internship programmes of doctors, pharmacists and nurses presently running in the institution.
“These programmes require definitive period for proper completion and exit. These accredited programmes supervised by members of the highly exalted post graduate colleges of National, West African and other similar international bodies have been largely responsible for the high standard, ethical practice of the Garki Hospital, Abuja over the last 15 years of concession.
“The NMA FCT Is watching keenly as this very unpleasant and unfortunate situation unfolds.
“It is our sincere hope that the medical personnel (doctors, nurses, etc) as well as other non-clinical staff are given the opportunities to complete their trainings without interruptions, and also allowed to retain their jobs and offer their services under the new proposed authority.
“This is because, they are all collectively are responsible for the present success story of Garki hospital, Abuja; and as such NO MAN SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND.
“The NMA FCT therefore proposes that the FCTA extends the period of disengagement of NISA group from Garki hospital Abuja to allow a more effective, smooth and humane transition,” the NMA Chairman reiterated.
The NMA FCT, however, express displeasure over what it described as the irregular and haphazard spate of posting of the house-officers by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The group further recommended the universal applicability of the proposed new hazard allowance to every medical doctor, health worker irrespective of their points of duties.
“All health personnel are exposed to the hazards of the profession wherever they are practicing and therefore deserve to be paid accordingly,” it stressed.
