NMA releases press statement on the cancellation of residency program by the presidency

Yesterday, the health care sector got a shock when a memo was released by the president announcing the cancellation of the residency training program. In response to the The NMA this afternoon released their statement concerning the issue. The statement is as follows(read from below upward): #ActionPoint NMA implore her members to remain calm and await further directives on this matter. Aluta Continua, Victoria ascerta #ActionPoint Govt shld ensure that all persons under surveillance for Ebola virus infection do not travel outside their domain of residence. #ActionPoint Any Dr who flouts this, does so at his/her own peril. All Drs are to remain committed towards containing the Ebola outbreak. #ActionPoint No Doctor no matter how hungry, should pick up any locum appointment with the government hospitals as directed by the circular. #ActionPoint NMA directs that no Dr should collect any sack letter or sign any register opened by the government or her agents (hospital). 7. NMA believes that the current government’s stance will further worsen the present industrial disharmony. 6. Government should improve the nation’s health facilities with a view to discouraging medical tourism abroad. 5. Rather than abolishing residency training prog, govt should show more commitment towards improving the already poorly funded programme. 4. NMA shall resist, by all means, any attempt by government to break her ranks as an Association. 3. Govt shld show commitment in resolving the current impasse with the NMA rather than further aggravating the already deplorable situation. 2. NMA demands immediate withdrawal of the suspension circular and unconditional reinstatement of the so-called sacked resident doctors. It is hereby resolved as follows: NMA CONDEMNS in totality the alleged Presidential directive suspending residency training prog in Nigeria. Whereas government functionaries continue to enjoy medical services abroad at the expense of the tax payers money. Whereas the country is groaning under the dearth of specialist Doctors (< 3000/170 million of Nigerians). He also reminded all on FG's continual non-compliance with agreements reached including neglect of Int'l best practices in medical practice. The NMA President gave a background into the current situation vis a vis the ongoing #NMAStrike including efforts made by NMA so far. The Press Conference was addressed by the NMA President, Dr Kayode Obembe withother NOC members. Nat'l and Int'l Press orgs were present