FG killing doctors morale with politics, says NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association has expressed concern over the state of affairs in the health sector, saying the Federal Government had killed the morale of doctors because of health sector politics.

While calling on professionals to be united in their resolve to end the poor attitude of government towards the health sector, the organisation said it was only through such unity that they could stop the disharmony, distrust and disrespect among doctors and other health workers.

The NMA also called on government to give priority to the health sector by ensuring “that proper allocation of 15 per cent was given to the health in line with the Abuja declaration.”

The chairman of the NMA in the Federal Capital Territory and North-Central Caucus, Dr Enema Amodu, stated these in his Easter Message issued in Abuja on Sunday.

According to him, division among doctors would not lead to the achievement of anything positive, including improving working conditions, remunerations and better facilities that would positively impact on every healthcare worker.

He said, “The morale of doctors and other workforce is at an all-time low. We need our patients to understand that they are our first priority. A doctor or health care provider that is unhappy, poorly motivated, distracted will not be able to discharge his duties diligently despite the oath sworn at induction into the profession.

“Therefore, we call on our patients to appeal to the government and her officials to stop playing politics with with health. We are in solidarity with the NARD in the ongoing strike over hazard allowance, improved working conditions in the health sector, and other demands.