The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed mass exodus of doctors in Jigawa, with over 30 medical doctors exited the state in the last four months.
The NMA Chairman in the state, Usman Haruna, who disclosed this in a press conference accused government officials of sabotaging Governor Umar Namadi’s efforts in addressing the challenges bedeviling the health sector in the state.
The NMA’s chairman, lamented how brain drain negatively hit the state and expressed the forum’s disappointment over the committee inaugurated by the state government failed to submit its report five months after.
“The NMA, Jigawa State Chapter, expresses deep concern and utter disappointment over the continued delay and clear sabotage by the committee mandated by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, to review and report on the implementation cost of doctors’ salary issues.
“Over five months ago, after our crucial engagement with His Excellency Mal. Umar Namadi FCA, HE in his magnanimity graciously approved and mandated the Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to within two weeks meet with us resolve and report to him on the fiscal requirements for implementing urgent salary adjustments for doctors to align with FG counterparts including: correction of entry point disparities, implementation of hazard allowance and rectification of call duty allowances”, Mr Haruna stated.
The NMA said the committee failure to submit its report on time has led to delay on the governor’s action fueling mass exodus of its members from the state.
“To date, this committee has failed to report back to the governor, despite having allegedly completed the assignment long ago. The NMA has credible reasons to believe this silence is a tactical delay and a deliberate disregard for the governor’s directive — a disturbing trend that has fueled the mass exodus of doctors from the state health system.
Mr Haruna said medical doctors resigning from the state is at alarming rate with the state losing its best hands to federal and states institutions in the country.
“From the time His Excellency gave the directive to date, over 30 doctors have exited Jigawa State in just four months — resignations now occur at an alarming rate. We are losing our best-trained professionals to neighboring states and federal institutions that offer standard and competitive remuneration based on the CONMESS salary table. This hemorrhage of talent threaten the very foundation of our state’s healthcare system”, Mr Haruna stated.
The NMA urged goernor Namadi to take decisive action by compelling the Minimum Wage Committee to immediately submit the agreed report and recommendations for swift implementation.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Muhammad Kainuwa, cannot be reached immediately to commend on the development. His known phone number didn’t connect Monday afternoon when our reporter contacted him.
