Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on resident doctors to remain and collaborate with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improve the nation, specifically the healthcare sector.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, it was highlighted that Shettima made this appeal during a visit from the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association, led by its newly elected President, Professor Bala Audu, at the Presidential Villa.
The vice president urged the doctors not to leave without offering a glimmer of hope, emphasizing that Tinubu is genuinely concerned about their welfare.
Noting, “President has a lot of empathy for medical doctors who have chosen to stay back at home despite juicy offers abroad.”
Shettima, who assured the Nigerian doctors not to despair, implored them to remain steadfast and resist the temptation of offering their services in foreign lands.
He stated, “In President Tinubu, you have an ally who will stand by you at all times.
“President Bola Tinubu has Nigerian doctors at heart. He has a lot of empathy for our medical doctors who have opted to stay put at home, not for lack of offers.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Nigerian doctors for their remarkable achievements and selfless dedication to the country, particularly in their efforts to improve healthcare services .
” Let us stay back and salvage this nation together, this is our country the greatest black nation on earth, and a promising nation that we need to invest in.
” The NMA is one of the most prestigious, preeminent associations in this country. We must commend you for the sacrifices you are making and for staying put in this nation.
“All hope is not lost because Nigerian doctors are making giant strides, recording milestones in the profession and, most importantly, making tremendous sacrifices to serve this nation”, he mentioned.
Vice President Shettima requested that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) incentivize young medical professionals to pursue specialized training in essential areas of healthcare and also take measures to prevent unqualified individuals from practicing medicine.
Prior to this, Professor Audu, the NMA President, expressed that the association’s leadership visited the Presidential Villa to demonstrate their support for the Tinubu administration’s healthcare initiatives and policies, which they deemed commendable.
“The Nigerian Medical Association has come here today as a partner to your government and a patriotic group of Nigerians dedicated to the success of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of this government.
“And to ensure that this government delivers quality healthcare to all Nigerians”, he said.
He guaranteed that the organization remains committed to the nation’s well-being and will fully collaborate with the government to implement healthcare policies that enhance the quality of healthcare services and ensure equal access to healthcare for all Nigerians, promoting universal health coverage.
“This committee will work closely with this government in delivering and implementing the policies of the administration in the healthcare sector.
“The NMA wants to assure and reassure you that it will play a key role in ensuring stability in the health sector.
“This is by extension, stability for this government to deliver on its promises to Nigerians as it has already started doing”, he added.
He applauded the health policies of the Tinubu administration, saying when fully implemented, the programmes and projects will increase the training spaces for specialists in the country.
“It is known as the residency training programme as well as the quality of the postgraduate medical training. We are sure that this government will address the infrastructural needs as well as the remuneration that will improve the well-being of Nigerian doctors to remain and serve in this country”, he stated.
