Kaduna State Government says it will partner with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and Medical Women Association of Nigeria (NWAN), to address health challenges and drug abuse in the state
The Acting Governor of the state, Dr Hadiza Balarabe said this when members of the associations paid her a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Kaduna.
She said that such collaboration with the associations would push forward agenda for better healthcare service delivery to the people.
“We want to see a situation where our children are healthy, and need to strengthen our engagement with the ministry of health,” she said.
Balarabe said that effective collaboration between government and the associations would assist in curtailing spate of drug abuse among the youths in the state.
She noted that medical practitioners had greater role to play in ensuring successful eradication of drug abuse and addressing challenges bedeviling the health sector, adding that, “there is need for change to make a difference.”
The acting governor stressed the need for more synergy between government agencies and the associations to promote capacity building and work ethics, increase immunisation coverage as well as stem Gender Base Violence (GBV).
She commended members of the associations for their understanding and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier, Dr Zainab Mohammed, Chairman of the NMA, said the visit was to formally present the newly inaugurated executive members of the association to the governor.
She said the association was working towards enhancing delivery of quality healthcare services, provide support services to orphans, schools and the less privileged in the society.
“We carry out activities such as outreaches on issues of topical interest and make contributions in state health policy and other initiatives of government,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Aliyu Sakomba, called for the review of salaries of doctors engaged by the state government, describing it as the least compared to their colleagues in other states in northern region.