By Anderson Ozuma.
The National President, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria Dr. Kabiru Minjibir has appealed to Government at all levels to rise up and confront the challenges facing the health sector, to avoid brain drain of medical professionals.He made the appeal at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki in a keynote address during the 47th Regular Meeting of the Tertiary Health Institutions National Consultative Forum. He called on all and sundry to join hands to ensure the survival of the health sector.
Dr. Minjibir commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Nwifuru for his workers’ friendly polices. He called for an ugent intervention in addressing the denial of union’s rights to Health workers at the Local Government levels.
Also speaking, Dr. Akilaya Adebayo noted that the funds budgeted for hospitals is not reflecting in the health sector. According to him, the Union will start monitoring funds allocated for health care.
The South East Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Sylvanus Nwankwo said that the gathering marks yet another milestone in their collective efforts to strengthen the voice and impact of healthcare workers across Tertiary and Federal health Institutions in Nigeria.
Earlier, with the theme ” THE WAY FORWARD FOR NIGERIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM”, the Chairman of Ebonyi State Medical and Health Workers Union Comrade Kingsley Igwe frowned on the daunting challenges being witnessed in the healthcare system which he enumerated as inadequate funding, decaying infrastructure and the persistent exodus of skilled professionals. He urged everyone to explore innovative strategies, build sustainable frame work and renew commitment to advancing Nigeria healthcare delivery system.
He extolled Governor Francis Nwifuru for the rehabilitation and equipping of general hospitals across the state and revamping the National Health Insurance Scheme in the state through improved funding. He condenmed what he described as selective implementation of health workers allowances and advocated for inclusion of all Health Workers including medical workers to ensure equity and workforce morale.
Others who spoke at the event were, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Ebonyi State, Prof. Augustine Ogugua, Chief Medical Director Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Prof. Robinson Onoh among others.
The meeting featured presentation of award to dignified personalities; the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Medical Director Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki and the Head of Service of Ebonyi State.
One of the recipients, the state Head of Service Dr. Ritamary Okoro dedicated the award, Icon of Civil Service Reforms to the Government of Ebonyi State and the entire workforce. She said the recognition will spur her to do more.
The event was well attended by personalities across Nigeria.
