Declare state of emergency on health-NMA to FG

Declare state of emergency on health-NMA to FG

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector.

Dr Abdulkadir Ahmed, the Kwara Chairman of NMA, made the appeal on Monday in Ilorin while addressing newsmen as part of activities marking the 2022 Physician Week.

According to him, Nigeria is losing human resources for health in geometric progression, Lassa Viral Haemorrhagic fever, Malaria, COVID-19, Ebola and Marburg, among others.

He therefore called on the government to quickly declare emergency action in Nigeria’s health sector for the sake of citizens, adding that there is need to do more on the security of lives and properties.

“Insecurity is impacting negatively on the health of Nigerians and the ability of healthcare workers to deliver services to Nigerians.

“The roads are not safe for our members to move freely to their places of work, especially those outside Ilorin and even our members are afraid of driving at night to attend to emergencies because of fair of kidnapping within Ilorin metropolis,” he said.

He observed that despite the national drawbacks, the Nigerian doctor has a lot to celebrate this week just for being alive.

Ahmed asserted that NMA Kwara members have recorded a lot of successes in career development with many passing their fellowship examinations, getting promoted to the rank of Professors and Associate Professors.

He disclosed that at least five NMA members from  the state were appointed into NMA National offices.

The Kwara state NMA boss however expressed sadness at the devastating effects of the flood ravaging the nation, while appealing to government at all tiers to assist victims and also actively initiate measures to avert flooding.