The Anambra State Government has reassured medical doctors and other health workers within the state of her efforts to ensure that their working conditions reach contemporary standards.
This assurance was given by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, during the Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference (AGM/SC) of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Chapter yesterday at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka.
The conference with the theme; ‘Mass Emigration of Doctors & Other Health Workers: The Origin, Challenges and Solution’ attracted Medical Practitioners and other professionals and dignitaries from all over the nation to brainstorm on solutions to health challenges in the nation.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, said that the present administration is working tirelessly to reverse the ugly trend of mass emigration of healthcare providers.
Igwegbe noted that such exit, if allowed to continue, would create a lacuna in the medical field, hence bringing about shortages in the area of healthcare delivery in the state.
The Civil Service boss said that this phenomenon subsists across the entire country as a result of the people’s search for “greener pastures”. According to her, the movement in droves is caused by poor working conditions, equipments and environment.
She however stated that the state has fully implemented the CONMESS and reconstruction of three general hospitals in the three sentatorial districts is ongoing. She noted that all will be equipped with state of the art medical equipment for improved service delivery. She added that the state Government has also employed about 300 medical personnel to provide services in our general hospitals.
The foremost Civil Servant appealed to doctors and other health workers to always remember the far reaching consequences of emigration and stay back to build our state and country with their expertise since a healthy nation remains a wealthy nation.
Earlier in her speech, the Chairman, NMA Anambra State, Dr. Jane Nkolika Ezeonu thanked the governor of the state for the visible efforts he has been making towards improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Ezeonu noted the efforts of the government of Anambra state to combat the emigration of doctors and other health workers.
The chairman then appreciated the efforts of her colleagues, especially the Anambra state Commissioner for Health Dr. Afam Obidike and thanked them immensely.
Dr. Ezeonu equally appreciated the presence of the distinguished President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Uche Rowland Ojinmah and other colleagues and professionals who took time out of their busy schedules to grace the three days occasion.
The event climaxed with presentation of awards to professionals who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour.