…hails Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to welfare of workers
By Precious Oham
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Ekiti State Branch, has called on the federal government to ensure the implementation of import duty and VAT waivers on drugs for affordable healthcare in the country.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the 27th Annual General Meeting of NMA, Ekiti State Branch, held in Ado-Ekiti from 4th to 9th August, 2024.
According to the communique signed by its Chairman, Dr. Oreyemi Ifedayo and Secretary, Dr. Akinluyi Oluwatobi, the association explained that the waivers on drugs and medical consumables would help to prevent sudden deaths among Nigerians.
They also urged the federal government to urgently review the palliative policies towards ensuring that Nigerians feel the impact of such interventions.
NMA also applauded the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ekiti workers, approval of full implementation of CONMESS for all doctors in the State, and payment of medical Residency Training Funds to EKSUTH Resident Doctors, among other interventions.
They appealed to the State Governor to approve the payment of 2024 MRTF to EKSUTH resident doctors, and also doctors on approved study leave for residency training at the Hospital Management Board (HMB).
They also called for the domestication of MRTF to ensure its perpetuity.
The communique reads in parts: “The AGM called on the FG to immediately take steps to address the agitations of the protesters against the economic policies of the government in order to resolve the ongoing protests and also improving the living conditions of the masses.
“The AGM called on the FG to urgently address the perceived crisis in the oil sector in a bid to end the perennial scarcity and high costs of petroleum products in the country.
“The AGM urged the President to cause his good office to ensure implementation of import duty and VAT waivers on drugs and medical consumables so as to make healthcare affordable to Nigerians.
“This will definitely help in preventing sudden deaths among Nigerians. Efforts must also be made not only to strengthen the NHIA to cover majority of Nigerians in the Universal Coverage pursuits but to also ensure the implementation of the newly increased capitation on NHIA.”
