The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra for supporting medical residency training with improved funding and infrastructure.
The National President of NARD, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, gave the commendation on Thursday in Awka.
This was when he led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the office of the Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike.
He also commended Soludo, whom he said was the first governor to implement the revised salary structure for resident doctors in 2025.
“He is also paying a very substantial Medical Residency Training Fund.
‘’This fund, from the information available to us, is higher than what is being paid in many other places, including the Federal Government,” Suleiman said.
The NARD boss said the funding was a major motivation for resident doctors to remain committed to their training and service delivery.
He commended the governor for establishing a Trauma Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, and facilitating the accreditation of some departments at the facility.
“These initiatives show that Gov. Soludo places priority on the health and wellbeing of residents, the health sector and the professional career progression of health workers.
“Anambra is showing what the training and development of medical personnel should look like,” he said.
Receiving the delegation, Obidike said resident doctors in the state were performing well because of the high level of motivation provided by the state government.
“I want you to reciprocate this gesture by increasing your commitment to medical practice and, most importantly, by being compassionate when dealing with patients,” he said.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Ministry of Health would soon commence the reaccreditation of all public and private hospitals in the state.
He said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that accredited health facilities had adequate facilities and met the required standards for quality and safe healthcare delivery.
“We are going to reaccredit all public and private hospitals in the state to ensure that those carrying the accreditation have the facilities and capacity to provide quality and safe services to our people,” Obidike said.
He added that the ministry would place banners at accredited hospitals to enable members of the public identify facilities that had met the required standards.
Obidike advised residents to seek medical services only from accredited health facilities.
He further assured that patients who were dissatisfied with treatment received at accredited facilities could report to the ministry for prompt intervention.