Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the release of N200m to support about 150 medical doctors to attend a residency programme and obtain a broad range of medical knowledge, basic clinical skills, and supervised experience practising medicine in various fields.
Governor Zulum, a fellow of the postgraduate medical school, announced the approval on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he received the National Executive Officers of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Zulum explained that while about 50 medical doctors working with the Borno State government will receive N2m each, over 100 Borno indigenes working with different federal institutions will receive N1m each.
The governor thanked the visiting delegation and assured them that healthcare service delivery is one of his administration’s priorities.
Zulum also commended the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, and the executive secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, for their support in improving health in Borno State.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association has appointed the governor to champion the universal applicability of quality healthcare delivery and the welfare of the health workforce.
The president of NMA, Professor Bala Audu, announced the appointment on Wednesday at the council chamber of the government house in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to the governor.
He said, “Your excellency, we have a very important request for you to be for the NMA, champion for the universal applicability of quality healthcare delivery as well as the welfare of the health workforce.”
“We know it is a difficult challenge, but you have the capacity for it because you have shown it and exemplified it in Borno State.”
The NMA president also commended Governor Zulum for several infrastructure projects in the healthcare sector and for improving the welfare of health workers in Borno.
“Your excellency, sir; we started our activity today by flagging off a medical outreach. Doctors from different specialities from all over the country are at one of the PHCs. This outreach is aimed at showing support for the tremendous work that your government is doing in the field of healthcare delivery,” Professor Bala stated.
“Your excellency, the NMA recognises the tremendous and successful efforts Borno State Government is making with great strides, particularly in healthcare and education.
“Despite the challenges at the Primary Healthcare level, the Borno State government is one of the key champions of effective primary healthcare and has received national leadership in primary healthcare,” he said.
