By Asmau Ahmad
As the nation marks 62 years of independence, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for appropriate budgetary allocation to health and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The association’s National President, Dr Uche Ojinmah, made the call in a congratulatory message to Nigerians issued in Abuja.
According to him, the association is suitably placed to continue to engage governments at all levels to make adequate provisions for the health of the people.
“This advocacy is inherent in our constant calls for appropriate budgetary allocation to health, UHC and stemming the tide of medical brain drain amongst other germane issues in the health sector for which the NMA is a champion.”
While congratulating Nigerians for staying as one in spite of the many challenges it faced, he said that Nigeria was a blessed nation endowed by God with abundant human and material resources.
Ojinmah added its greatest asset were its people and their diversity.
“I thank God for keeping us together despite the turbulences and upheavals we have experienced as a people and pray for God to grant us the nation of our dreams”, he said.
He also said as the 2023 general elections draws near, Nigerians should be determined to make the age of 62 the best for Nigeria by insisting on credible polls.
Ojinmah said that the insistence on credible polls starts with participation in the electoral process by registering and obtaining a Permanent Voters Card (PVC), setting an agenda for the candidates and demanding accountability from elected officials.
“I am glad that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammad Buhari, has reiterated his determination to leave a legacy of transparent, free and fair polls.”
