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Health

New MD FMC Keffi promises transparent, accountable administration

New MD FMC Keffi promises transparent, accountable administration
By Awayi Kuje
Service
Keffi (Nasarawa State), July 5, 2018 (NAN) Dr Yahaya Adamu, the new Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa State, has assumed duties with a pledge to provide transparent and accountable leadership.
He also promised to deliver improved quality service in order to boost the health status of Nigerians.
Adamu said this on Thursday in Keffi during the official taking over ceremony from the centre’s acting Medical Director, Dr Luka Samuel.
He said that delivering quality service to patients and their relatives would be his topmost priority, adding “our vision is to serve the people in order to save human lives”.
The new medical director however called for support and cooperation from the staff members and host community to enable him succeed in the task ahead of him.
“I cannot succeed without you. I need your support and cooperation so that together we can move the centre forward for the development of the health sector,’’ he said.
Adamu hailed the developmental strides of the immediate past medical director of the centre, Dr Joshua Giyan, especially the introduction of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and solar power system, among others.
“I really appreciate the past MD (Giyan), he had done a lot, he established EMR, Solar power and I hope to develop on what he had done,’’ Adamu said.
He advised the workers to tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliation and to shun sentiment while discharging their duties in order to improve on the standard and health status of Nigerians.
The new medical director also assured members of the Governing board of the centre of a team work.
The Chairman of the board, Prince Sule Sami, charged the members of staff to be dedicated to their duties for effective healthcare service delivery.
He promised to give priority to staff welfare for effective healthcare delivery.
The board chairman commended the outgone acting medical director for “acting well’’ and called on him to keep the spirit for the progress and development of the centre.
While handing over earlier, Samuel assured his successor of maximum support and cooperation for the development of the centre.
“I am ready to support and cooperate with you in order to move the centre forward,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the handing over ceremony was witnessed by the board members, union leaders, workers and other stakeholders. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Officers need new knowledge for efficient service delivery – NAFDAC

Officers need new knowledge for efficient service delivery – NAFDAC
By Maureen Ojinaka
Service
Enugu, July 1, 2018 (NAN) The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it will continue to build the capacity of its regulatory officers with new skills to efficiently carry out the duties of the agency.
Mrs Olajumoke Ojetokun, the South East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday.
“To always acquire new knowledge will guarantee quality service, that is why training of staff in this agency is essential, and training and re-training will continue to go on for all our officers especially the regulatory officers of the agency in all the states in the South-East.
“If you do not train your officers, no new knowledge will be acquired, it will be zero in zero out, therefore, there is need for training and re-training,” she said.
The director further explained that the acquisition of new knowledge was a good idea so as to make everyone to come up in his or her responsibility.
She added that with the acquisition of new knowledge which involved training and re-training, the society would be sure of consuming quality products, as it was the responsibility of NAFDAC to ensure the production and consumption of quality products.
Ojotokun said that with the help of the training as often as possible, every regulatory staff will remain useful to the agency.
She added that inculcation of new knowledge on the staff would go a long way to make them carry out the duties of the agency effectively. (NAN)
OJI/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Osinbajo lauds Sen. Binta for commitment to selfless service

Osinbajo lauds Sen. Binta for commitment to selfless service
By Yakubu Uba
Service
Yola, April 15, 2018 (NAN) Vice President Yomi Osinbajo has lauded Sen. Binta Masi of Adamawa North Senatorial District for her commitment to selfless service to her constituency.
Osinbajo made the commendation on Sunday in Yola at a special Church Service to celebrate the 50th birthday of the senator.
He described Masi as a special person who always focused on the interest of her people, something he said had made her unique as a Christian and the only female senator from the north in the present senate.
While urging other public servants to emulate her, Osinbajo said it was not holding position that matters, but how one uses his or her position to serve humanity.
The vice president said many erudite Christians were holding various positions in the present administration and what they needed was prayers from fellow Christians to succeed in their purpose of being in government, which is service to humanity.
“Your prayers is what we need to make a difference,” Osinbanjo said.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustafa, and the Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, lauded Masi for her achievements in life and urged her to maintain the tempo that endeared her to the electorate.
They noted Masi’s political successes first as an elected member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State and later after returning to her home Adamawa to emerge the first female state party chairman and subsequently a senator.
On his part, the Deputy Governor of Adamawa who spoke on behalf of the state government, commended Masi for making the state proud and assured her of the support of government and people of the state at all time to sustain her good work.
Masi who shared her testimony of struggle in life, gave gratitude to God and all those who supported her to succeed, promising to sustain her commitment to selfless service.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that part of activities to mark Masi’s golden jubilee included the presentation of a vehicle, money and foodstuff to Yola Orphanage and the distribution of empowerment tools to 1,000 widows. (NAN)
YMU/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Economy

Service delivery: Management staff to undergo refresher courses

Service delivery: Management staff to undergo refresher courses
NAN-H-49
Training
By Cecilia Ologunagba
Abuja, Feb. 16, 2018 (NAN) Mr Olajide Odewale, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, says management staff of the ministry would undergo refresher courses on change management to enhance service delivery.
Odewale said this at the closing ceremony of the five-day Specialised Change Management Training Workshop for the staff of the ministry and its parastatals on Friday in Abuja.
The permanent secretary said that the ministry would improve on the quality of training for the staff and increase the number of participants as well.
“We will see how we can conduct refresher courses for management staff because it is my responsibility to enhance the capacity of human resources in the ministry.
“This training is an on-going process; it is not going to end with this batch.
“I assure you that as many staff that will like to attend the course would be given the opportunity to do so,” he said.
He said that training in change management course did not start with the batch of participants.
“It has started many years and some of us in this side of the classroom have had the opportunity of going through the training process.
“I don’t know how many of you did `Orosanye’s School’ in 2008/2009.
“We attended lectures conducted by the Head of Service through consultants on series of topics on change management as part of condition for promotion examinations.
“We all had to struggle to make sure that we understood what we learnt; we memorised the ones we did not know for us to pass the examination,’’ the permanent secretary said.
Odewale, however, urged the participants to put the lessons they learnt into practice.
Alhaji Arabi Dasuki, the Acting Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, said that the `Orosanye School’ was gradually coming back to civil service.
Dasuki also urged the participants to put what they learnt into practice in the discharge of their duties.
Also speaking, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator, SERVICOM, advised the participants to be drivers of change in their various organisations.
“The bottom line of our reforms is the quality of service that touches the lives of people.
“Therefore, the end of what you have learnt is to know when to put it into action. So let your actions show in a way you service people.
“Let it show in a way you serve people and the way you touch lives of all citizens,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 70 participants from the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as well its parastatals attended the workshop.
The parastatals are National Bureau of Statistics, Centre for Management Development, Budget Office and Nigerian Institute for Social Economic Research. (NAN)
CIA/SA/MST
Edited by Salif Atojoko/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

CMD promises improved service delivery at Taraba Specialist Hospital

CMD promises improved service delivery at Specialist Hospital
NAN-HG-5
Patients
By Nabilu Balarabe
Jalingo, Dec. 22, 2017 (NAN) Dr Alex Maiangwa, the newly appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD), Taraba Specialist Hospital, Jalingo, on Friday promised improved service delivery.
Maiangwa made the promise in Jalingo while receiving a hand over note from his predecessor, Dr Joel Rimande.
He pledged to ensure that patients’ satisfaction would be central to his administration.
He said effective policies would be implemented to give patients full components of service in the hospital.
“The motto of this hospital is putting patients first; it did not say putting the management first.
“I intend to ensure that our patients get effective services right from the gate of this hospital to each and every department they will come across. My objective is to serve them well,” Maiangwa said.
However, the CMD noted that there were a lot of challenges in the hospital, but assured the staff that he would work tirelessly to improve their welfare.
Maiangwa, a Consultant Obstetric Gynaecologist, solicited for maximum cooperation from the workers to lead them effectively.
The CMD thanked Gov. Darius Ishaku for finding him worthy of the appointment, promising that he will not betray the trust reposed in him.
Earlier, Rimande described Maiangwa as a worthy successor endorsed by the hospital’s board.
“I am very happy for the appointment of my former deputy as the new CMD.
“I would have been sad if the appointment had gone to someone new to this hospital because I will have to start taking him round to put him through on so many things.
“Besides, Maiangwa has been a loyal colleague who worked assiduously with me for the development of this hospital.
“I urge you to support him because we share the same dream of making this hospital one of the best in the country,” said the outgone CMD. (NAN)
NB/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Service delivery: NHIS seeks feedback from enrollees

Service delivery: NHIS seeks feedback from enrollees
NAN-HG-2
NHIS
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Oct. 3, 2017 (NAN) The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has called on enrollees to give feedback on service delivery at health facilities to ensure that they enjoy efficient and quality healthcare services.
Mr Ayo Osinlu, Head, Media and Public Relations of the scheme, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said regular feedback by enrollees would enhance visibility to areas of improvement as well as the enforcement of quality standard in hospitals across the country.
Osinlu, however, noted that the scheme was ensuring that NHIS works for all Nigerians and enrollees enjoy quality services in healthcare facilities.
“The NHIS in accordance with its statutory mandate and in commitment to its social responsibility recognises the enrollee as the central figure of the health insurance practice.
“The Scheme therefore is determined to ensure that the enrollee enjoys prompt and top quality care at all times.
“However, feedback from enrollee experience at service delivery points will assist the scheme to sustain and improve quality care,’’ Osinlu said.
He explained that the agency deployed members of staff to some hospitals where regular complains were received, to ensure compliance with the required standards.
He said that members of staff ensure enrollees were well treated and their rights not trampled upon.
On the rights of enrollees, Osinlu said every enrollee registered under the scheme had a right to access medical treatment as outlined in the NHIS benefit package.
“Enrollees also have a right to select a healthcare facility of their choice as long as the facility is accredited by the scheme.
“Right to change a primary healthcare facility after six months of access if not satisfied with the services provided.
“Right to change facility once it has closed, relocated or been delisted by the NHIS and right to change if you have been transferred to another location.
“Right to choose an alternative facility for dependents if they are living in a different location,’’ he said.
Osinlu listed others as the rights to access healthcare at any NHIS accredited facility in an emergency.
Right to complain to NHIS or Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) about any act of negligence on the part of the healthcare facility and right to be referred for secondary and tertiary healthcare.
He advised enrollees to be knowledgeable about their rights and give feedback to the agency on any challenges encountered while receiving services in any facility under the scheme.
Osinlu said the scheme could be contacted on various platforms and call centre lines, including: NHIS E-mail: info@nhis.gov.ng, Website: www.nhis.gov.ng.
Other call centre lines are: 08039796126, 08059015854, 08059282008 and 08065744100. (NAN)
TIM/GOM/MST
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Peace Corps embarks on community services

Peace Corps embarks on community services
NAN-H-7
Services
By Awayi Kuje
Kokona (Nasarawa State), Oct. 2, 2017 (NAN) The Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) has embarked on community services by digging water channels along Akwanga/Keffi federal highway in Nasarawa State to make the road more convenient for motorists.

Mr Bala Joshua, the state Commandant of the corps, made this known on Monday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly after the exercise.

Joshua said officers and men of the command cleared the water channel at Sabon Gida in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.

He explained that the community service was meant to prevent accidents due to the bad portion of the road and for easy flow of water.

“The community services are part of our commitment of giving the society our support which is also incorporated in our bill that has just been passed by the National Assembly so as to make the environment clean and also to save lives.

“Looking at the rate of accidents that the pot holes are causing, we felt that there is the need to clear accumulated sand as well as to dig water channel in this area for easy access by motorists,” he said.

Joshua also disclosed that he deployed his men and officers to assist in maintaining law and order during the Sept. 30 sanitation in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the measure is to complement the efforts of other security agencies in maintaining peace, law and order during the sanitation.

He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the bill seeking to establish the organisation in order to promote peaceful co-existence and reduce unemployment in the country.

He said that the bill would also help the corps to collaborate with other security agencies across the country in the area of conflict resolution strategy.

“We believe, hope and have faith so much in President Buhari as a father that understands the plight of Nigerian youths. He is a man that listen to cry of Nigeria youths, we appeal to him to assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill considering its enormous benefits to the country,” he said.

He charged personnel of the command to maintain high standard of discipline and adhere strictly to their professional ethics in the interest of peace and national development.

The commandant also called on Nigerians to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities and to live in peace irrespective of their affiliation, adding that no meaningful development can be achieved in any society without peace.

He joined other Nigerians in celebrating the country’s 57th anniversary and Nasarawa State 21 years of its creation, expressing optimism in the future of the nation. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

NARD Strike: NYSC tasks corps doctors to bridge gaps

NARD Strike: NYSC tasks corps doctors to bridge gaps
NAN-HG-10
Service
By Yashim Katurak
Abuja, Sept. 6, 2017 (NAN) The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it is directing all corps doctors nationwide to bridge service delivery gaps created by the strike of resident doctors.
Mrs Bose Aderibigbe, the NYSC Director of Press, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday that the circular was issued to remind corps doctors of their responsibilities to the nation.
She said the scheme asked the youth corps medical doctors to remain in their places of primary assignment and duty to provide needed healthcare service.
The spokesperson said this became necessary in order to reduce the impact of the strike on healthcare service delivery.
Aderibigbe said the scheme was always ready to support and complement Federal Government efforts, adding that no corps doctor was involved in the strike.
“We are sending out a circular to all corps doctors to ensure they are up and doing in their work and try their best in providing the necessary healthcare service delivery to citizens.
“Corps members generally are not supposed to be involved in any form of strike.
“So a circular is already being issued now that all corps doctors should be on standby and complement the absence of resident doctors who are currently on an indefinite strike,” Aderibigbe said.
NAN reports that Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, had on Monday directed Medical Directors of all federal government hospitals to ensure that consultants and NYSC doctors are on duty to provide health services.
Dr Arikawe Adeolu, a member of the National Executive Council of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), said resident doctors accounted for about 80 per cent of the total medical workforce in the country.
Adeolu, who is also the General Secretary, NARD, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, said their absence at hospitals would have a huge and significant impact at the level of service delivery.
He explained that the association of resident doctors included doctors such as medical officers and house officers who were below the rank of a consultant; stating that this excluded corps members, medical directors and nurses.
“Usually when resident doctors go on strike, the consultants together with corps members try to keep the hospitals running but one cannot deny that a significant workforce in the health sector will be absent.
“The current demands being made by the association include improving the welfare of doctors.
“Some doctors are owed salaries while others do not receive complete salaries; they are paid just about 40 per cent of their total salary.
“Our other demands are that resident doctors should be captured in the pension scheme; their work is pensionable but for some reason they are being excluded from the scheme.
“The other demand is that doctors are not being put in their appropriate grade level and we are asking for this to be corrected.
“We have been discussing these issues with the Federal Government since 2013; we have tried to use diplomacy but up till now we are yet to see any commitment on the part of government to make things better.
“We therefore decided to embark on an indefinite strike. Before we went on strike we gave the government a 21-day ultimatum which ended about two weeks ago within that period government did not do anything to try and resolve the matter.
“Another two weeks passed after the 21-day ultimatum yet nothing was done until just before Sallah when they said they wanted to send another Memorandum of terms of settlement,” Adeolu said.
He said that the association however rejected the memorandum as it did not specify when the government would fulfil its part.
According to him, the memorandum did not hold as much weight as the previous ones they had signed with us; the previous memorandum had specific dates when they will fulfil the requests but this one had no date.
He said the association felt that the federal government was not taking its requests seriously and decided it needed to embark on a strike.
He said that the association tried at various times to negotiate and advocate to the government to meet its demands to no avail.
“We have a minimum demand which is that doctors should be enrolled in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) which is the payment platform for government.
“Another issue has to do with the placement of house officers on the appropriate grade level should be carried out.
“Other demands are that doctors who are being owed arrears of salaries from 2014 should be paid. Medical centres that have been experiencing shortfall in the payment of salaries of personnel should be corrected.
“These are the matters we have placed before the federal government and we know that they can be resolved so that the strike can be called off,” Adeolu said.
The scribe hinted that calling off the strike would depend on the outcome of Wednesday’s meeting with the Ministers of Health and Labour.
He said that if the strike was called off the association would continue to negotiate and advocate with the federal government to meet its other demands of drawing up a template for residency training programme.
Adeolu said the association also sought for the federal government investment in health facilities nationwide so that doctors could have better equipment to work with to deliver better services to patients.
NAN reports that the nationwide indefinite strike commenced on Monday. (NAN)
KRY/AK/MST
Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Minister urges NYSC members to assist local farmers with modern techniques

 

NAN-H-64

NYSC

By Yashim Katurak

Abuja, Aug. 15, 2017 (NAN) The FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, has urged NYSC members with relevant qualifications in Agriculture and allied courses, to help introduce new and improved farming techniques to farmers in their host communities.

Bello made the call at the closing ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course at the NYSC orientation camp, Kubwa, Abuja.

Bello represented by Mrs Amina Abubakar, Director, Human Resources, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said such assistance would enable the FCT to produce food for local consumption and export.

He said the present administration was resolved to take advantage of the natural and human resources, including agricultural potential in the territory and mobilise the NYSC members to assist the farmers.

The minister said that to further actualize this, the Agricultural Secretariat of the FCTA has registered about 9000 small holder farmers to participate in the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.

He said other initiatives of the administration such as increased average annual yield in rice and cassava farming were already yielding dividends.

“There is so much that corps members can help us to achieve in this regard.

“I hope that your intervention will bring about improved farming methods, increased yield and overall growth in the agricultural sector.

“I also urge you to sensitise and encourage both youths and parents, especially in the rural communities to see education as a worthy investment that must be accorded priority.

“This will help us to double our efforts to excel in WAEC examination and improve on past records of 15th position in 2015 and 14th position in 2016.

“UNICEF estimates that Nigeria has the World’s highest number of children out of school, with over 10.5million estimated to be affected. Sadly, children of school age within the FCT are part of this data.

“I expect you to be actively involved in the formal and extra-curricular education of youths in the FCT.

“This will ignite their interest in agriculture, provide employment and sway them from unwholesome vices such as drug abuse which seems to be growing among youths at an alarming rate,” he said.

He warned the NYSC members to desist from inducing employers in the rural areas to reject them as their services were mostly needed and better appreciated in local communities.

Earlier, Mr Abdulrazak Salawu, the NYSC Coordinator in FCT, said about 2,500 corps members would be deployed within the territory to carry out their primary assignments.

Salawu said the FCTA was looking up to the educational skills and training programmes of the corps to accelerate the growth of the territory, bridge economic gaps and promote peace and unity.

He called on them to be of exemplary conduct, so that the youths of host communities would emulate them.

The NYSC coordinator reminded them that society expected much from them and urged them not to engage in frivolous and unauthorized journeys.

Salawu said that incessant and unauthorized travels would be met with commensurate punishment in line with the NYSC bye-laws.

The NYSC Batch ‘A’ stream II orientation course held from July 26 to Aug. 15 nationwide. (NAN)

KRY/OIF/EMO

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ejike Obeta

 

 

 

Health

Nasarawa Govt tasks youths on loyalty, dedication

Nasarawa Govt tasks youths on loyalty, dedication

NAN-HG-17

Youths

By Awayi Kuje

Wamba (Nasarawa State), April 7, 2017 (NAN) The Nasarawa State Government has charged the 1,500 youths newly engaged under the state Youth Empowerment Scheme (NAYES) to justify the confidence reposed  in them.

Mr Ibrahim Bai, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Tanko Al-Makura on Youths Empowerment, gave task on Friday in Wamba at a reception organised for the NAYES members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on April 1, 1,500 were engaged by the state government to serve as traffic wardens, sanitary inspectors and community watchers with a monthly stipend of N10,000 as their take home.

Bai expressed delight at their high sense of responsibilities during the one-week training that they underwent, urging them to discharge their duties with seriousness at their primary assignments.

“Nasarawa State Youths Empowerment Scheme (NAYES) is one of the state government policies aimed at reducing youths unemployment, restiveness, poverty, social ills as well as to improve on the standard of living of the youths.

“Gov. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is doing his best to reduce the rate of unemployment, youth restiveness and poverty reduction in the state.

“The state government has trained many youths in different skills acquisition programmes in order to be self-reliant for the benefit of all,’’ said the aide.

He explained that NAYES members would serve as sanitary inspectors, community watchers and traffic marshals in order to ensure a healthy environment, provide security and decongest traffic in the state.

Bai emphasised that the current administration deserved to be given total loyalty and support in return for the gesture the NAYES members received.

He therefore urged the youths to take their jobs with seriousness in order to contribute their quota to the development of the state and the country at large.

Earlier, Mr Musa Wayo, the Chairman, Interim Management Committee of Wamba Local Government Council, said 100 youths from the area were engaged under the scheme.

“The council decided to organise the reception to welcome the 100 newly employed youths (NAYES) of this local government after they have successfully completed their one week training and passed out,” he said.

He also urged the youths to justify the confidence reposed on them by living up to their responsibilities so as to contribute their quota to the development of the state and the country at large.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Mr Yakubu Waziri, thanked the council for the reception and promised that they will discharge their responsibilities diligently. (NAN)

AKW/OSA/MST

Edited by Shittu Obassa/Muhammad Suleiman Tola