By Haruna Gimba
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said it would draw up its Strategic plan for the next five years, covering 2025-2030, calling on all hands to be on deck to support the development of the plan, pledging support of willing members of the Association.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the 3rd NMA National Health Summit and the National Executive Council (NEC) of the association held from December 2nd to 6th in Abuja.
The communique signed by the NMA President and Secretary General, Professor Bala Audu and Dr Benjamin Egbo, respectively, recommended enhanced collaboration with medical doctors in government and positions of authority to harness their expertise and resources in addressing the myriads of challenges and proposed solutions that have been agreed at the Summit.
“The NEC suggested that Health workers should be trained on the importance of pharmacovigilance and the use of e-reporting through the Med Safety App.
“The NHS advised that the Association should work closely with state branches to develop mechanisms that enhance doctors’ welfare, improved security and comprehensive health insurance coverage for all Doctors,” part of the communique said.
The Summit also encouraged exploring the possibility of partnership and signing Memoranda of Understanding with doctors in the diaspora to deepen collaboration and exchange via partnership with the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and other related local and international groups.
The Opening Ceremony of the Summit under the distinguished Chairman of Brig. Gen Buba Marwa (rtd.) was attended by several prominent Nigerians including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ably represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, represented by Dr Abdullahi Isa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Dr Ibrahim Kana mni, and the Controller-General of Customs who was ably represented and the Chairman Committee of Chief Medical Directors of tertiary hospitals, Prof Eno Bassey.
The Keynote address was delivered by Prof. Pate, who emphasised on the health sector strategic engagement which is geared towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
He went further to speak on the Sector-Wide Approach initiative of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said that there was the need to continue to improve and strengthen the PHC services and also bridge the gaps in the health system.
The Ceremony was also graced by Past Presidents of the Association, Past Secretary-Generals of the Association as well as many State Chairmen and Secretaries from the 36 states and FCT. Sub-theme addresses on “Unlocking the Health value change Initiative” and “Making our hospitals work” were delivered by excellent resource persons in the field.
The National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which followed the conclusion of the National Health Summit had in attendance State Chairmen from 36 states and the FCT, statutory and ad-hoc Committee Chairmen as well as medical doctors from over the country had enriching and stimulating conversations.
The NMA President Prof. Bala Audu in his remarks appreciated members for their participation in the just concluded 3rd National Health Summit and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the health system works for all Nigerians and also his desire and commitment to improved welfare for all Nigerian doctors.
