NEWS
Abia SSG, Meribole Charges NMA on Professional Commitment, Says Abia Prioritising Healthcare Development
Abia SSG, Meribole Charges NMA on Professional Commitment, Says Abia Prioritising Healthcare Development
…as Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu Leads NMA Push as Abia Secures Bid to Host National Executive Council Meeting
The Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, has called on members of the Nigeria Medical Association, Abia State Chapter, to remain focused, dedicated and committed to their professional responsibilities as the state intensifies efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
Dr. Meribole made the call when a delegation of the NMA, led by its Abia State Chairman, Dr. Daniel Ekeleme, paid him a courtesy visit at his office.
The SSG emphasised the critical role of medical professionals in strengthening the state’s healthcare system, noting that sustained commitment and professionalism among healthcare workers remain essential to ensuring that residents have access to quality and efficient medical services.
He said the administration of His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, remained committed to transforming the health sector and improving the working environment for medical practitioners and other healthcare professionals across the state.
According to Meribole, the administration’s prioritisation of healthcare is reflected in its budgetary allocation, with more than 15 per cent of the state’s budget currently committed to the health sector. He noted that the investment was part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve service delivery and create better conditions for healthcare workers.
The SSG also encouraged members of the medical profession to remain actively engaged in the democratic process, particularly as the country approaches another political season, stressing the importance of responsible participation in civic affairs.
He expressed appreciation to the NMA delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the government’s willingness to engage with professional bodies in addressing issues affecting the healthcare sector.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Dr Chimezie Okwuonu, expressed appreciation to the SSG for receiving the delegation.
Dr Okwuonu disclosed that the Abia State Chapter of the NMA had won the bid to host the association’s National Executive Council meeting in Abia in December next year. He appealed to the state government to support the association in ensuring that the national meeting is successfully hosted in the state.
The NMA Chairman in Abia State and leader of the delegation, Dr. Daniel Ekeleme, explained that the visit was aimed at identifying with the SSG and appreciating the state government for its efforts towards improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr. Ekeleme acknowledged the administration’s interventions in retrofitting and strengthening healthcare facilities across Abia, describing the improvements as significant steps towards creating a more effective healthcare system.
He also invited the SSG to the association’s forthcoming Physicians’ Week, while using the occasion to highlight some of the challenges confronting medical practitioners in the state.
The NMA chairman appealed to the government to continue engaging with the association in developing lasting solutions to the challenges affecting doctors and the wider healthcare workforce.
He assured the SSG of the association’s continued cooperation and commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery and advancing the wellbeing of residents across Abia State.