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FCT resident doctors decry increasing spate of assault on members

FCT resident doctors decry increasing spate of assault on members

Assault

By Ummul Idris
Abuja, May 30, 2019 (NAN) The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) has expressed concern over the spate of assaults on its members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr Roland Aigbovo, the chairman of the association in FCT expressed the concern in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Aigbovo said that said the spate of the assaults on his colleagues while on their legitimate duties was becoming alarming and worrisome.

He stated that doctors and other health workers merely carrying out essential duties in the overall interest and well-being of patients had become victims of unwarranted hostility.

According to him, there have been some incidences recently where doctors on duty were assaulted, citing a most recent incident recorded at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja.

According to him, “A female doctor (name withheld) at the Maitama District hospital, Abuja, was assaulted by a patient’s relation.’’

He said that the patient admitted as an emergency case few days earlier was operated upon to save her life and that of her baby.

He explained that but due to financial constraints, the patient was unable to pay for the surgery and prescribed drugs, which led to some minor complications that needed urgent medical treatment.

He said that “But the patient’s relations insisted on taking the patient home which prompted the doctor to ask him to sign a medical undertaking before his request is granted but he refused.

“This led to the doctor informing the security unit, the partner got infuriated and then beat up both the doctor and the security personnel.”

Aigbovo however, said that patient’s relation was arrested, taken to court and remanded in prison.

He said the association would do everything possible to prosecute anybody who assaulted its members, adding that it was disheartening that any normal person could beat up a female doctor.

He said that such cases would be pursued to its logical conclusion to serve as a deterrent to others who might want to assault its members while on duty.

He added that “Doctors and other health professionals should be respected and not assaulted no matter the provocation”.

Aigbovo said that there were laid down channels for dispute resolutions rather than physically assaulting health personnel. (NAN)

UMD/KOO/JTJ
==========
Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Health

JOHESU demands end to alleged injustice on members

JOHESU demands end to alleged injustice on members
By Blessing Odega
Injustice
Jos, Feb. 10, 2019 (NAN) The Joint Health Sector Unions, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) chapter, has called for an end to alleged injustice and marginalisation of its members.
Mr Vongdip Timven, the branch Chairman of JOHESU, JUTH, made the appeal on Monday in Jos when members of JOHESU commenced a 3-day protest.
The peaceful protest would commence at 8 a.m and end at 12 noon daily from Feb. 10 through Feb. 13 within the hospital premises.
He explained that the protest was to draw the attention of the public to the alleged injustices and tyranny the Federal Ministry of Health has meted out to members of JOHESU.
He further said that the protest is to urge the federal government to resolve the outstanding issues it has with JOHESU, particularly the unjustified withholding of the salaries of its members between April and May 2018.
Timven decried the failure of the federal government to implement the court’s directive of the adjustment of the salary structure after five years.
He also lamented that the health sector has been monopolised as only a certain group receives attention from the federal government and that they are calling for a stop to the discrimination in the sector.
The chairman said that the union are demanding for a conducive working environment as it is only when the environment is conducive that they can perform optimally.
He pointed that healthcare is a right and not a privilege, and advised the federal government against privatising the health sector as healthcare would be above the reach of the common man.
Similarly, Mr Mustapha Kabiru, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association (SSAUTHIAL), JUTH chapter, called for the payment of their withheld salaries.
He also canvassed for the resolution of the headship of the laboratories.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the members carried placards with various inscriptions such as “Pay our teaching allowances,” “Release our April and May salaries,” and “Our public hospitals are not for sale”.
NAN also reports that only doctors were seen attending to patients, while the other staff embarked on the four hours peaceful protest. (NAN)
UBO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

2019: SGF urges APC members to bury grievances for better outing

2019: SGF urges APC members to bury grievances for better outing
By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
APC
Bauchi, Nov. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) members to bury their differences and work for the success of the party in the 2019 general elections.

Mustapha made the appeal at the end of the two days APC North East Zonal meeting in Bauchi on Sunday.

He said grievance is a enemy of progress that does not allow achievements and development within the party and the nation.

“We have to work towards successful outing in forthcoming general election, so we have to forgive and forget,”he said.

The SGF noted that the reconciliation committee set up by the national body of the APC would be the best solution to solve all the crisis bedeviling the party.

Represented by the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dr Garba Abare, he said the setting up of the committee came at a right time when the 2019 general elections is approaching.

Mustapha underscored the need for all members of the party to leave their differences and unite under one umbrella for the success of APC in the elections.

Earlier, Gov. Muhammad Abubakar, had earlier said the meeting would go a long way towards tackling its internal problems and called on those that have lost during the recent primary elections to cooperate and work in close collaboration with others for the growth and development of their various states.

Abubakar therefore called on all people of the the North East and the entire nation to do their best to ensure the success of President Muhammadu Buhari and APC in the 2019 general elections.

The APC North East Zonal Vice Chairman, Mr Mustapha Salisu, described the meeting as an avenue that would enable all members of the party to share ideas on how to win the 2019 general elections.

In his remarks, Gov. Kashim Shetima of Borno, expressed optimism that the entire people of the North East and other States of the Federation would vote for APC considering the number of developmental  projects executed by the APC administration across the country. (NAN)
MAK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Health association warns members against unprofessional conduct

Health association warns members against unprofessional conduct
By Awayi Kuje
Warning
Keffi (Nasarawa State), May 21, 2018 (NAN) The National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, Nasarawa State chapter, has warned its members against unprofessional conduct in healthcare delivery or risk sanctions.
Mr Abdullahi Musa, the state Chairman of the association, gave the warninge on Monday during the monthly meeting of the association in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area of the state.
He said that quackery and unprofessional conducts among health workers had negatively affected the health of many Nigerians, hence the need for collective efforts to tackle them in the sector.
Musa said the meeting was to discuss issues and challenges facing members of the association with the view to addressing them to better their welfare.
“The association will continue to initiate good policies and programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of its members and Nigerians at large.
“We will continue to tackle quackery in the health sector considering its negative effects on people’s health and societal development,” he said.
The chairman stressed the need for all health workers in the country to adhere strictly to their professional ethics in the interest of peace and the overall development of the health sector.
He threatened that the association would sanction any practitioner found wanting in the discharge of his/her duties in line with the ethics of the profession to serve as deterrent to others.
He advised members of the association to be disciplined, diligent, shun truancy and absenteeism for optimal productivity.
Mr Sule Thomas, former National Vice President of the association, called for unity among members in order to move the association to greater heights.
He encouraged the members to update their knowledge so as to compete favourably with their contemporaries in the interest of the health sector. (NAN)
AKW/CEO/MST
Edited by Chidi Opara/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

FAAPA tasks members on financial commitment

By Muhammad Suleiman Tola
Commitment

Rabat, March 29, 2018 (NAN) The Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA), have called on its members to redeem their financial commitments to strengthen the operations of the organisation.

Mr Mohamed Anis, the Secretary-General of the agency, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco.

Anis recalled that member agencies made promises to ensure a sound funding for FAAPA when it was formed in Casablanca, Morocco, in October 2014.

However, he said that “we only have 10 active financial members now out of 28’’
.
Anis explained that only the General Assembly could disclose the names of defaulters at its annual meeting.

According to him, the lean resources is affecting the activities of FAAPA and posing serious technical problems.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the general scribe revealed that the organisation had opened a training centre for African journalists in Rabat on March 25, 2015.

Anis said the African Centre for Training of Journalists would be hosting 60 journalists yearly “within the framework of three thematic training sessions (fall, winter and spring), averaging 20 at each session’’.

The training programmes include; web journalism, information computer science and digital media management, among others
.
Besides, the secretary-general said FAAPA had trained computer scientists from member countries on “digital transformation of African news agencies’’ in Rabat between Oct. 9 and Oct. 13, 2017.

He said that the seminar on: “The role and function of the community managers in a modern press agency’’ was the latest capacity building for members.

Anis also disclosed that there was a planned training for directors of news and editors-in-chief of member news agencies awaiting the approval of the general assembly.

According to him, the about four-year-old organisation has adopted rules for an annual competition and grand prize for the best article, best photo and best audio reports.

The general scribe said winners of the various categories of the awards would collect 1,000 dollars each and a certificate as well as enjoy a week-long trip to host countries of FAAPA general assembly.

He therefore urged member agencies to start sending their entries as an incentive and encouragement for journalists of member countries, to give out their best
.
Anis commended the FAAPA members, demonstrating financial support and urged others to emulate to make the organisation more vibrant. (NAN)
MST/SH
==========
edited by Sadiya Hamza

Health

NMA wants members to participate in politics

NMA wants members to participate in politics
By Ummul Idris
Politics
Abuja, March.28, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Prof. Mike Ogirima, the President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has advised his members to participate actively in politics.
Ogirima gave the advice on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He said that it was high time NMA members engaged in politics, stressing that being indifferent while the health sector suffered incessantly was unacceptable.
The NMA president said that it was disturbing that very few health workers were actively involved in politics.
Ogirima therefore urged members to get involved actively in politics so that they could be part of decision makers that would help proffer solution to the myriad of problems bedeviling the health sector.
According to him, there is need for greater commitment to health sector in the country and this can only be achieved when workers in the health sector participate in politics.
He urged that a sizable number of doctors should embark on partisan politics, adding that leaving politics in the hands of non-professionals will spell doom for the country.
“We have found out that we have few medical workers in politics and bills concerning the health welfare are not receiving adequate attention,” he said.
Ogirima said that there was the need for professional advice and guidance before certain bills regarding the health sector were passed into laws.
According to him, you find out that when those bills pass into laws, they have some deficiencies which negatively affect the citizenry.
“’If you don’t blow your trumpet, nobody will do it for you and if you don’t look after your welfare, nobody will do it for you.
“That is why we are encouraging our members to participate in partisan politics,” he said.
The NMA president said though everybody cannot be interested in politics, some members of the association should be ready to get involved in partisan politics. (NAN)
UMD/TOA/MST
Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

NUJ conducts free eye screening for members

NUJ conducts free eye screening for members
NAN-HG-7
Outreach
By Amina Ahmed
Bauchi, Oct. 11, 2017 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, has conducted eye screening for more than 300 of its members to commemorate World Sight Day celebration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the screening exercise is in collaboration with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH).
The state Chairman of the council, Malam Ibrahim Malam-Goje, said the exercise was to commemorate the world sight day.
Malam-Goje said that it was also an opportunity for journalists in the state to check their sights in view of the fact that they are exposed to computers, lap tops, tablets, etc, in performing their duties.
“Journalists use computers among other gadgets to discharge their duties, as such their sights are exposed to the adverse rays.
“According to research, out of 10 people that come in contact with computer, four are always diagnose with one eye problem or the other.
“Hence, there is the need for eye screening and treatment,’’ he said.
Malam-Goje commended the ATBU-TH medical team for partnering with NUJ to conduct the exercise, adding that it will help towards diagnosing and improving the sights of beneficiaries.
The chairman said that the screening entailed free medical services including screening, provision of eye glasses and medication.
He said that those diagnosed with major ailments would be advised and referred to hospital for further treatment.
The leader of the medical team, Dr Hafsat Isa, said the commemoration of World Sight Day was to scale up enlightenment about eye health to the public.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of this year’s celebration is: “Making Vision Count”. (NAN)
AE/AOS/MST
Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Adamawa Govt. donates 5 cows, rice to corps members

Adamawa Govt. donates 5 cows, rice to corps members

NAN-HG-5

Welfare

Yola, Jan. 26, 2017 (NAN) The Adamawa Government has donated 50 bags of rice and five cows to Batch B Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps  (NYSC) members deployed to the state for their primary assignment.

Gov. Bindow Jibrilla announced the donation on Thursday in Yola at the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members.

NAN recalls that the Federal Government suspended the hosting of the NYSC members in insurgency affected states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in 2013.

Jibrilla said that the security and welfare of the corps members was paramount to his administration.

He said that he would continue to liaise with the state directorate of the corps to ensure their welfare.

The governor urged them to demonstrate patriotism in their areas of primary assignment.

Earlier, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, the state Coordinator of NYSC, said that 1,852 corps members were registered for the orientation.

Mohammed said that the orientation camp hosted 950 male and 902 female corps members.

He commended the state government for supporting the orientation programme, adding that the federal government had made adequate provision for the welfare of the corps members.

The coordinator also commended security agencies in the state for their effort in securing the orientation camp. (NAN)

MK/JEY/MST

Edited by Johnson Eyiangho/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

NMA bans members from treating Kogi political appointees, families

NMA bans members from treating Kogi political appointees

NAN-HG-3

Ban

Lokoja, Jan. 26, 2017 ( NAN) The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has directed its members to stop treating commissioners , special advisers and other categories of political appointees in Kogi until further notice.

Dr Magnus Ogaraku, the state Chairman of NMA, gave the order at a news conference in Lokoja on Thursday.

He said that the ban also covered the family members and aides of the political appointees.

Ogaraku, who spoke shortly after an emergency meeting of the Executive Steering Committee of the association, also asked doctors in public and private hospitals in the state to immediately comply with the decision.

In addition, the chairman who was assisted by the state Secretary of the NMA, Dr Zubair Kabiru, directed members working in all state-owned hospitals to commence an indefinite strike immediately.

Their counterparts in the Federal Medical Centre will embark on one week sympathy strike from Jan. 30, he said.

He attributed their action to the mass sack of doctors on the payroll of the state government and refusal to pay their salary and allowances as at when due.

According to him, the leadership of the NMA met to review developments and the MoU signed with the government on the issues and discovered that government has failed to keep to its promise.

“The NMA abided by her own side of the MoU by extending the ultimatum by two weeks to allow the state government implement the MoU as signed.

“The Kogi State Government has completely reneged in all aspects of the MoU. The report of the staff screening and verification exercise as released has put doctors in Kogi State in a more miserable situation.

“Several doctors were prematurely sacked, uncleared or declared as ghost workers under very flimsy excuses that are not in conformity with laid down civil service rules,” Ogaraku explained.

The NMA said it had no confidence in the Appeal Screening Committee as composed and will not honour the outcome of its exercise.

“In order to reduce the untold hardship to the innocent patients as a result of the strike action caused by Kogi State Government, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, and the private clinics shall be available to render services during the period they are not on sympathy strike,” the body stated.

Meanwhile, the state government is yet to react to the action taken by the NMA. (NAN)

KKA/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola