Nasarawa @30: NMA Applauds Sule’s Health Reforms, Demands More Investment

…..Doctors seek stronger primary healthcare, specialist services, emergency care

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nasarawa State Branch, has commended successive administrations in the state for their contributions to healthcare development, while urging Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to sustain and deepen investment in the sector.

The NMA Chairman, Meshi C. Emmanuel, made the call in his Independence Day address on Thursday, commemorating Nigeria’s 66th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the creation of Nasarawa State.

Emmanuel said the twin anniversaries offered an opportunity to celebrate the achievements recorded over the years, reflect on existing challenges and renew collective commitment towards building a healthier, more peaceful and prosperous society.

On healthcare development, the NMA chairman acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, but noted that the Sule administration had continued efforts to upgrade health facilities, strengthen primary healthcare services, recruit health personnel and expand specialist services across the state.

He specifically cited the development of the Specialist Hospital, Akwanga, including its trauma centre and modern diagnostic facilities, as well as the transition of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, into the Federal University Teaching Hospital.

According to him, the emergence of the Federal University Teaching Hospital presents an opportunity for Nasarawa to expand tertiary and specialist healthcare services, but he stressed the need for continuity, sustained funding and further investment.

Emmanuel said healthcare must remain central to national development, noting that access to quality medical care improves children’s chances of learning and development, while a healthy workforce contributes significantly to economic productivity.

He commended doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, community health workers and other healthcare professionals for continuing to serve despite challenging working conditions.

“Recognition alone is not enough. The healthcare workforce must be supported with the right environment, equipment, remuneration, training and policies necessary to provide safe and effective care,” he said.

The NMA chairman called for stronger primary healthcare centres, efficient referral systems, adequately equipped secondary and tertiary hospitals, improved emergency medical services and wider access to specialist care across the state.

He also urged the government to give greater attention to maternal and child health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, mental health, preventive medicine and health education.

Emmanuel stressed that access to healthcare should not be determined by geography or income, saying residents of rural communities deserved the same dignity and quality of care available to people in urban centres.

On the migration of health professionals abroad, the NMA chairman said the solution was not to restrict doctors and other healthcare workers from seeking opportunities elsewhere, but to create conditions capable of attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

“The solution lies not in restricting professionals, but in making Nigeria and Nasarawa a place where talented health workers can thrive,” he said, identifying infrastructure, professional development, research, technology and decent working conditions as key areas requiring attention.

He also urged citizens to take greater responsibility for their health through regular medical check-ups, immunisation, proper nutrition, physical activity, responsible use of medicines and early presentation at healthcare facilities.

Emmanuel called on members of the medical profession to uphold ethics, competence, compassion and accountability, assuring that the NMA remained committed to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders in improving healthcare delivery.

He urged the authorities to regard investment in healthcare as an investment in human capital and the future of both Nigeria and Nasarawa State.

“Let this 66th and 30th anniversary of Nigeria and Nasarawa State therefore be more than a celebration of our past. Let it be a renewed commitment to the Nigeria and Nasarawa we want to leave for the next generation,” he said.