Physicians urge new governor to prioritise Kaduna health sector

Experts in the health sector have advised the new Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, to prioritise the sector, in order to improve the well-being of the citizens.

They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Kaduna, days after he was sworn in.

The Kaduna State Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Madaki Sheyin, urged the new governor to reverse the trend of brain drain that hit the state, especially in the last six years.

According to him, the governor should prioritise the health sector because of its importance to the masses.

“Emphasis must be made on human capital development. Without a good human resource, whatever structures are being built will not bring the needed gain or positive change,” he said.

Dr. Sheyin noted that training and development, career progression and other incentives would attract manpower to the state.

He said, “Kaduna needs to retain its best hands in the sector and attract many more through improved welfare packages.

“Also, attention must be given to capacity building and development with the right kind of equipment and infrastructure put in place.

“A needs assessment should be done and consultations with relevant stakeholders carried out, with the stakeholders being carried along in various stages of policy development and implementation.”

He said the governor should give a thought to public-private partnership initiatives, noting that is worth looking at, as it can curb wastage and improve service delivery and efficiency in the sector.

Dr. Nuhu Yusuf, a medical doctor, said improved staff welfare and good working conditions should be one of the governor’s priorities.

He implored the governor to build good state-of-the-art facilities in the state.

“Fully equipped hospitals like those obtainable in developed countries with modern equipment would discourage an increase in medical tourism,” he added.

In the same vein, Mr. Morakinyo Rilwan, National Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, said the governer should embark on mass employment of nurses and doctors.

He said, “The “japa” syndrome affected health workers in Kaduna seriously and is not to overseas, but to neighbouring states that pay better.

“We congratulate the new administration of Governor Sani and our prayers are that God Almighty will guide him to do what is beneficial to the populace.

“However, the expectations of health workers in Kaduna state are not different from what was presented to him during the campaign period when he met with the Kaduna state health workers forum and the presentation to the transition committee on May 16.

“So, he should try as much as possible to keep to his campaign promises. Hazard allowance should be reviewed upward and we expect him to be worker-friendly unlike his predecessor, and to dialogue with them on areas that may seem difficult to accomplish.”

Rilwan noted that health workers, especially nurses suffered in the hands of kidnappers due to lack of adequate security in the hospital and the fact that some of the facilities had no perimeter fence.

“Upward review of workers’ allowances as a motivation for those who are ready to stay back.

“Lastly, he should pay all the arrears of unions and Association check-off dues not remitted, to allow professional associations to concentrate on their activities and pay their workers.

“Health facilities should be upgraded with adequate consumables and other working tools,’’ he added.

(NAN)