NMA Commends Governor Alia Over 15% Health Budget

Nigerian Medical Association has commended Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia’s for his dedication to efficient healthcare delivery, pointing to his administration’s 15 percent allocation to health in the 2024 budget recently presented to the State House of Assembly.

The state NMA chairman, Dr Ushakuma Anenga who disclosed this in a statement after the association’s annual general meeting, said the 15 percent allocation to health is a significant stride towards achieving the Abuja declaration’s target made by African Union (AU) countries in 2001.

The association’s chairman who also applauded the governor for the commencement of the new hazard allowance for doctors and other health workers, timely payment of salaries, and the implementation of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) 2023 at an increased rate also said “we are pleased to see Benue taking a lead in prioritising the health sector.”

While acknowledging the challenges that persist in the healthcare sector, Dr. Anenga expressed optimism that the governor’s proactive measures taken so far indicate a promising future and we believe that with sustained efforts, these challenges will be overcome, and our healthcare system will thrive under Alia’s leadership.”
Anenga also extended the association’s appreciation to the commissioner for health and human services Dr. Yanmar Ortese, acknowledging his pivotal role in helping the governor in implementing those positive changes in the sector.

He said the commissioner’s dedication and contribution have been integral to the success we are witnessing in our healthcare system and pledged the association’s unalloyed support to complement the efforts of the governor in delivering effective health services to the people of the State”
“With what the governor has done in the health sector so far, a few months in office, the State will soon be on the global map for medical tourism in Nigeria and beyond.”