Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
According to the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, no fewer than two doctors leave Abia State every month in quest of better opportunities abroad.
During the celebration of his six years of stewardship, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu, chairman of the association in Abia State, revealed the ugly trend was seriously affecting the state’s healthcare delivery system.
He made an impassioned plea to the state government to resolve the ongoing problems with the welfare of the doctors at the Health Management Board and the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH, Aba, who have been on strike over unpaid wages.
The outgoing NMA boss ascribed the migration of medical workers from the state to some of the unresolved issues raised by the medical body while recognizing the government’s attempts to pay up overdue debts.
“I want to respectfully implore the government to give the health sector greater attention in order to prevent brain drain.
“Every month, two to three doctors depart from Abia for Saudi Arabia, where they are paid nearly six times as much.
“Regular salary payments will stop doctors from leaving the field. To advance the health sector, political commitment and will are required.
The head of the NMA also reaffirmed his plea for the release of Dr. Uwadinachi Iweha, who was kidnapped over a month ago by unidentified gunmen who are still holding him captive despite the payment of a ransom.
Dr. Okwuonu challenged leaders at all levels on accountability and integrity, which, he maintained, remained the hallmark of leadership. He claimed he decided to hold the event to render an account of his stewardship in fulfillment of his promise while seeking election.
Doctors in Abia are advised by the NMA to continue their strike because of unpaid wages.
June 26, 2022
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He listed the acquisition of land for the NMA Umuahia zone, progress on the construction of the Abia NMA event center and secretariat complex, and advocacy to the Abia State Government that resulted in the rehabilitation of the access road to ABSUTH Aba as some of the accomplishments realized during his administration.
Among others, advocacy to MOUAU resulted in the correction of doctors’ placement in the CONMESS salary scale, adjustment of entry point, and regular promotion along the CONMESS scheme. Other achievements included the advocacy that resulted in the construction of a new medical complex at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.
Among other dignitaries, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Professor Ike Nwachukwu of Michael Okpara University Umudike Medical Extension, and others called Okwuonu “a go-getter” and an exceptional leader in their goodwill messages me.
