Moses Ofodeme
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), is demanding serious actions to address rising insecurity in the country.
The Association has therefore urged the Federal Government to renew its efforts in addressing the security challenges facing the country.
The NMA made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of its Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting (AGC/ADM); tagged “Tin City 2021”, held in Jos Plateau, with the theme “Nigeria and the Global Health Agenda 2030”.
The communiqué issued on Wednesday, May 12, in Abuja was signed by its National President, Prof. Innocent Ujah, as well as Secretary-General, Dr Ekpe Philips.
It urged the government to tackle the problem to quickly bring humanitarian disasters under control.
“The Conference is saddened by the worsening spate of killings; maiming; kidnapping; banditry; arson; insurgency, as well as other forms of violence with attendant socio-economic consequences in almost every part of Nigeria.
“NMA is deeply concerned that healthcare delivery has also been severely affected and therefore called on all citizens to jettison dangerous and unpatriotic tendencies.”
The communiqué likewise added that the conference reviewed the report of the recent engagement between the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF); as well as the NMA on a recent circular issued on the Scheme of Service and salary status of house officers.
It urged the OHCSF to withdraw the circulars; modify as well as insert exemption clauses that protect medical qualifications; and also the Scheme of Service and salary status of House officers.
The NMA further resolved to continue the engagement with the OHCSF using every lawful means; to ensure that the profession was not short-changed on the basis of implementing any reforms in the wider Public Service.
The Association reaffirmed that fellowship remained the highest academic and professional qualification in human medicine.
It restated its position that possession of Ph. D was not a prerequisite qualification for career progression; and attainment of the chief executive position by medical doctors in Tertiary Institutions; including any university in Nigeria.
It added that the Association was in consultation with all relevant offices to seek clarification on the appointment of consultant Pharmacists as a new public service cadre.