Connect with us

Health

Nigerian Doctors protest FG’s proposed Establishment of Alternative Medicine Regulatory Board

Published

on

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has decried the action of the Federal Government (FG) acting through the Federal Ministry of Health in sponsoring a bill on the Establishment of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Regulatory Board in the country.

This was noted in a communique issued at the end of the association’s August National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Sunday in Gombe.

The communique made available to newsmen in Abuja, was signed by the NMA President, Dr Uche Ojinmah and the Secretary-General Dr Jide Onyekwelu.

It said that the group observed that some components of the Bill would be in conflict with the statutory functions of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

NMA also urged FG to ensure payment of the newly approved hazard allowance to its members within the next two months.

The association further resolved to continue the engagement using every lawful means to ensure the payment of the said allowance.

The group said that it observed the slow progress towards implementing the new hazard allowance and the attempt to exclude doctors in Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and those in Basic Medical Faculties in Universities.

It also said it had observed that some state governments have always shied away from complying with upward review of salaries and allowances to doctors in state service.

“NEC observed with joy the fact that Delta State Government has already started paying the newly approved hazard allowance.

“NEC also insisted on universal applicability in the implementation of the new hazard allowance for all doctors working in Federal, State and Local Government establishments.”

On the issue of brain drain of medical doctors, the association said that  it was disappointed with the failure of government at all levels to address the “Push” factors propelling brain drain.

This has led to the mass exodus of doctors and other health workers for greener pastures.

It said that unless governments deployed drastic measures to stem the tide of brain drain, the already bad national health indices may eventually spiral out of control thereby leaving Nigeria at the bottom rung among the comity of nations.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *