By Agbonkhese Oboh

Insecurity, banditry and kidnapping have impacted negatively on the economy, increased capital flight, caused overwhelming of health resources and worsened the health indices in the country.

This was, among other points, the position of the Nigerian Medical Association South-South, contained in a communique released after the Zonal Executive Council, ZEC, meeting in Asaba, Delta State, from June 25 to 27.

Although the Council appreciated the efforts of government and the security agencies in fighting crimes and criminality, it urged the Federal and state governments to increase the capacity of the security agencies, encourage citizens engagement in community sensitisation, provide basic needs of the citizens, improve employment opportunities and strengthen the economic base of the nation.

The ZEC also stressed the need for security agencies to change their operational strategies to conquer the criminals, who constitute mayhem among law-abiding citizens.

READ ALSO: Labour Minister clears air on residency training, accuses NMA of leadership failure

The communique, signed by Dr. Nwose Emmanuel and Dr. Okoacha Innocent, Chairman and Secretary of the zone, respectively, “condemned the insecurity in the country which has impacted negatively on the economy, increased capital flight, caused overwhelming of health resources due to greater number of injuries, and worsened the health indices in Nigeria.

It lauded the reduction in the number of new cases of COVID-19 and urged Nigerians to continue to observe the COVID-19 precautionary measures.

However, ZEC noted most doctors and other healthcare workers who are employees of the state governments in the South-South region have not been paid the COVID-19 special hazard/inducement allowance.

“It is worthy to mention that the doctors who are employees of Federal health institutions have been paid the said allowance over a year ago,” it added.

Also discussed were health infrastructure development, remunerations and welfare, hazard allowance, substance abuse, among others.

Roll call

The keynote lecture, with the theme “Current Security Challenges in Nigeria: Implication on Health Care Delivery”, was delivered by Dr. Chinweokwu Nneoma, a Consultant Family Physician, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.

The opening ceremony was under the chairmanship of Dr. Lucky Tosan Popo, retired Permanent Secretary Delta State Ministry of Health and Medical Director of Temple Clinic, Asaba.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Ejiro Ogheneaga, Permanent Secretary Delta State Ministry of Health; Dr. Funmilayo Omoraka, Permanent Secretary Delta State Hospital Management Board; Dr. Minnie Oseji, President of Medical Women’s Association of Nigerian and Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Environment; Delta State Commissioner of Police represented by Dr. Jude Uwaifo; and Dr. Uche R. Ojinmah, Chairman NMA Sports committee.

The members of NMA South-South Zonal Executive Council who graced the occasion were the Chairman, NMA Delta State and Chairman, South-South zone, Dr. Nwose Emmanuel (Host), who presided over the meeting;

Chairman, NMA Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ime Sylvester Udoh; Chairman, NMA Bayelsa State, Dr. Ngowari Torunana; Chairman, NMA Cross River State, Dr. Abang Innocent; Chairman, NMA Edo State, Dr. Harrison Omokhua;

Chairman, NMA Rivers State, Dr. Alikor Chizindu; Dr. Osahon Enabulele, President Commonwealth Medical Association; Dr. Lawrence A. Pemu, retired Permanent Secretary Delta State Hospitals Management Board & member of Delta State Civil Service Commission; Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, National Publicity Secretary of NMA, and other NMA NEC members, elders and past leaders of the zone.

Below are more images from the ZEC meeting:

Vanguard News Nigeria