Japa: NMA president demands better welfare for doctors

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The newly elected National President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Afekhide Omoti, has called for improved working conditions, a conducive environment, and security to check brain drain in the medical field.

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Omoti stated this on Thursday when he was received at the Benin airport by the members and leadership of the NMA Edo State branch, Association of Resident Doctors, Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria and other affiliate associations.

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Speaking to journalists, Omoti said he would make the welfare of doctors his priority.

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He said, “We will do everything in our power to restore the dignity of medical doctors and to improve their welfare.

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“Also, the security and conducive work environment for medical practitioners and indeed all health workers would be a priority.

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“Our young ones cannot finish school and go abroad because, at the moment, that’s all they do. They also write foreign exams and take off. We want to make sure that that kind of thing stops.

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“We cannot train doctors for the rest of the world; we have to train doctors for Nigeria, or else very soon, we will have nobody to look after us.

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“The situation is very bad at the moment, and it needs urgent attention. We must act now.”

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On the welfare of workers, Omoti said he would advocate for their rights and privileges “irrespective of their levels, cadre and location. We will try to improve the healthcare system of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

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The Edo State chairman of the NMA, Dr Eustace Oseghale, said it was a privilege that Omoti became national president of the association in his tenure.

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