Kwara govt reaffirms commitment to health workers’ welfare

The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to the welfare and professional development of medical doctors and other healthcare workers in the state.

The Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, gave the assurance when the newly inaugurated executive of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State Branch, paid her a courtesy visit in Ilorin.

Nuru said the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq values the contributions of health workers and has taken steps to improve their welfare and strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce.

She cited the implementation of 100 per cent CONMESS and CONHESS for eligible health-sector professionals as part of measures to attract and retain skilled medical personnel.

The commissioner also said the state government had commenced an internship programme for pharmacy graduates, while assuring the NMA that legitimate requests affecting its members would continue to receive attention.

She further stated that the state government does not owe salaries or allowances to medical doctors and other health workers, adding that workers receive their salaries as and when due.

Nuru urged the NMA leadership to sustain dialogue with the government in addressing challenges affecting its members and improving healthcare delivery in the state.

Earlier, the NMA Chairman in Kwara, Dr Suleiman Jamiu, said the visit was aimed at introducing the new executive and strengthening its relationship with the state government.

Jamiu said the association had begun engagements with relevant stakeholders on issues concerning the welfare and professional development of medical doctors in the state.

He appreciated the Commissioner for Finance for her support, particularly in facilitating the remittance of deductions relating to members’ association dues.

The NMA chairman also commended the state government for the recent payment of the National Residency Training Fund (NRTF), describing it as an important intervention for doctors undergoing professional training.

He pledged the association’s continued cooperation and constructive engagement with the government on healthcare delivery and the welfare of medical professionals.