The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State Chapter, has been challenged to ensure the success of the ‘Ilera Wa’ health intervention programme of Governor ‘Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to underscore the saying that ‘a healthy nation is a wealthy nation’.
The Permanent Secretary Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Titilayo Toba-Ojo, who gave the charge while receiving the leadership of the association in her office, stressed the need for collaboration among the NMA, Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) and the Local Government Service Commission to enhance effective health care delivery system in Ekiti State thereby improving the overall well-being of its residents.
Recognizing the importance of effective healthcare services, the Permanent Secretary said that the Local Government Service Commission would leave no stone unturned in its determination to join forces to address the healthcare challenges faced by the people of Ekiti, adding that the Commission was committed to Governor Oyebanji’s shared vision of providing quality and accessible healthcare by all.
She urged the health workers to be dedicated to duties to justify government’s huge investment in the health sector.
Earlier in his speech, the State Chairman of NMA, Dr Olaniyi Rosiji, lauded the appointment of Mrs Titilayo Toba-Ojo as the Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, describing her as an astute administrator whose capacity had manifested in the policy initiatives of the Commission.
Dr Rosiji assured that the collaboration would address the issue of healthcare personnel distribution across different areas of the state thus reducing the disparity in access to healthcare services and enhance primary healthcare delivery across the state. He added that he was confident that the collaboration would pave the way for a stronger healthcare system in Ekiti State.
The NMA chairman who thanked the governor for according the health sector and the welfare of medical personnel a topmost priority enjoined the PS to use her good offices to appeal to government to fill vacant positions of medical officers, doctors, who have either left the country or retired adding that the payment of medical allowances of CONHESS and CONMESS to local government health workers was indeed a motivating factor for the workers to enable them deliver health care services effectively.
During the meeting, discussions revolved around the need for capacity building programmes for medical personnel at the grassroots level. As part of the collaboration, joint training sessions and workshops were canvassed to be organized to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals to ensure that they are equipped with the latest medical advancements.
The NMA presented a souvenir to the PS on the occasion