By Emmanuel Abi Couson.
The Governor of Cross River State Bassey Edet Otu , expressed the state commitment to recruiting and retaining medical professionals to bridge the gap of
healthcare personnel shortage of the state.
Speaking while addressing the issue of shortage of health personnel raised by the delegation of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA , he assured them.of his commitment to recruiting and retaining medical professionals.
“We recognize the need for competitive salaries and are prioritizing health funding” He said .
Otu who met with the national leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association ,NMA, led by Dr. Uche Ujinma, in his temporary office in Calabar, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in healthcare delivery .
Welcoming the team’s decision to convene in the state , he highlighted the critical role of the healthcare sector. adding that “our focus remains on the well-being of our people, and I commend the NMA for their dedication to this cause”
Furthermore, he said the state is embracing technology to enhance medical logistics, including a partnership with ZIPLINE company with a view to improving healthcare delivery and accessibility across the state .
He expressed his gratitude to the NMA’s impactful leadership and assured them of his readiness to tap into their expertise in the future, while looking forward to continued collaboration for the betterment of the state healthcare system.
“Let’s keep the fire of this partnership burning as we work together to build a healthier future for our state. Thank you to Dr. Uche Ujinma and the entire NMA team for their dedication and support” He said.
Responding, NMA’s National President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah lauded Otu’s urban renewal program in the State and the aesthetics in Calabar and its environs, which, according to him, had restored hope.
“Some people do not understand that aesthetics is part of good health. It is better to live in a clean and comfortable environment and be poor than to live in a slum and be rich because what can kill you may be in the air.”
He said NMA was in Calabar for the annual conference and delegates meeting of the association and called for the recruitment of more medical doctors in the health sector of the State and the implementation of a new salary scale for medical doctors.
He also intimated Otu that a new leadership would emerge for NMA after the conference in Calabar comes to a close.
