By correspondent in Lokoja.
By correspondent in Lokoja.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has granted a substantial boost to the healthcare sector by approving a one hundred per cent hazard allowance for medical doctors and other health workers on its payroll with immediate effect.
The governor disclosed the cheering news in a statement signed by ONOGWU Muhammed,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made a copy available to The Reporters on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Muhammed quoted his boss as having announced the decision of his administration on wednesday in Lokoja during a courtesy visit by the pioneer medical students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba and the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, Kogi State.
The visitors,the governor’s added, expressed gratitude to Bello at the Government house Lokoja on Wednesday.
The Governor, who noted that he inherited accreditation challenges faced by the pioneer set of medical students under the previous administration,said he took a swift action upon assumption of office on the issue.
According to him, he placed the affected students on scholarship in various tertiary institutions across the country to enable them continue their MBBS programme.
Governor Bello emphasized that his administration remained committed to advancing healthcare and geared efforts in training medical professionals within and outside the state to bridge the manpower gap.
Upon the successful completion of their programmes, therefore, the students, accompanied by their parents and the management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, led by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, visited the governor to express their gratitude to him.
They described Bello’s action as a pivotal role in financing their studies and an overall investment in education in the state.
Prof. Tenuche lauded Governor Bello for his remarkable achievements in education, highlighting that “the university is now poised for full accreditation and offering programmes such as Anatomy, Physiology, Nursing Science, and more.”
Contributing,Dr. Olusola Baoku, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Kogi State Chapter,also commended Governor Bello for his strides in the state’s health sector.
He acknowledging Kogi as one of the seven states in the federation addressing hazard allowance for medical doctors by 50% payment.
The NMA boss_who noted the improved medical infrastructure provided by the Bello administration, stressed that “the state is ready to establish and run a medical college.”
Dr.Baoku praised Governor Bello and affirmed the state government dedication to encouraging professionals to work under conducive environment within the state.
Accompanied by the governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor Bello assured continued improvements across all economic sectors of the state, particularly in healthcare delivery, to counter the trend of professionals leaving the state. (‘Japa’ syndrome).
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
