From INIOBONG SUNDAY, Uyo
New leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has described as misleading, some media reports that the immediate past executive led by Professor Emem Abraham is enmeshed in financial discrepancies.
Speaking at a press conference held in Uyo, at the weekend, the new NMA Chairman, Dr Aniekan Imo Peter, flanked by his executive, explained that the report did not emanate from the association and was not adopted by Congress due to discrepancies and lack of endorsement from the secretary of the committee.
Therefore, Dr Peter explained that the association had instead, invited unbiased external auditors to audit the accounts with the outcome still pending.
Peter, on behalf of the association, commended the immediate past chairman for her creditable leadership, which earned her a vote of confidence from both the state and national bodies.
On the ‘Japa’ syndrome threatening the health sector, he expressed dismay at the constant migration of health professionals in search of greener pastures abroad, even to some African countries including Ghana, lamenting that it has become worrisome and disappointing to note that the allure of higher wages has compelled his colleagues to abandon the health system at home to look elsewhere.
He blamed it on government’s failure to prioritise healthcare for the people and welfare of the professionals whose wage level ranks very low when compared to some African countries, Europe and some Asian countries including Saudi Arabia.
The chairman noted that medical professionals in some African countries earn five times more than what is obtainable in Nigeria, while those in Europe and other advanced economies earn over 20 times more their Nigerian counterpart, adding that such wage disparity is forcing the brain drain.
He regretted that the sad situation had left the health sector in a near-comatose state that even with the presence of health infrastructure and facilities, there are no adequate personnel to effectively drive the system.
He said his leadership is on a mission to reform and reposition the system in line with international best practices through cordial relationship and effective partnership with the state government under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, whom he assured, has the vision for a robust health system under his administration’s ‘ARISE’ agenda.
He, therefore, urged some members still aggrieved with issues of alleged financial discrepancies against the immediate past executive to sheathe their swords and join hands with the new NMA leadership in its quest for better welfare and privileges for members.
The fraud allegation, he disclosed, is being investigated by the audit panel, promising not to interfere in the probe and to make the outcome public, irrespective of whether someone is indicted or not.
