By correspondent in Ilorin.
The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (ARD-UITH) has expressed concerns over the escalating cost of living caused by the naira’s devaluation.
Dr. Yusuf Jamiu, the association’s president, regretted that the economic downturn has made it increasingly difficult for resident doctors to afford basic necessities.
“The devaluation has significantly increased the financial burden on resident doctors, making it challenging to meet everyday needs,” Dr. Jamiu stated, emphasizing the urgent need for improved remuneration for healthcare workers to stabilize the sector.
He said that despite these economic pressures, ARD-UITH remains dedicated to delivering quality healthcare services.
He, however,outlined the association’s recent achievements, including advocacy for better welfare for its members, refurbishing on-call rooms, and fostering research engagement among resident doctors.
As part of its 2024 Annual General Meeting, the association has organized a week-long program featuring free medical outreach and eye surgeries for underserved communities in Kwara State.
This year’s theme, “Reshaping Residency Training in Nigeria: Digital Technology, Financial Inclusion, and their Impact on Residency Training,” reflects the group’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges in medical education and practice.
These developments come amidst a worsening economic climate, where inflation has driven the cost of healthy diets up by 47.44% in just seven months.
The naira’s depreciation continues to erode purchasing power, compounding the struggles faced by individuals and households across the country.
Dr. Jamiu urged Nigerians to consider backyard gardening as a practical solution for addressing skyrocketing food prices, which he noted have become a pressing issue due to inflation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
