Resident doctors applaud Kaduna govt’s investment in medical workforce

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commended the Kaduna State Government for prioritising the welfare of medical doctors and strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

The association said the administration of Gov. Uba Sani had demonstrated commitment to improving the working conditions of resident doctors through better remuneration, infrastructure development, manpower expansion and professional capacity building.

NARD made the commendation in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from July 26 to July 31 at Gombe International Hotel, Gombe State.

The association also commended the governors of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers and Plateau states for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of resident doctors.

According to the communiqué, the measures adopted by the Kaduna government have contributed to creating a more conducive environment for healthcare professionals and improving service delivery across the state.

The association particularly acknowledged the state government’s investments in primary healthcare, noting that the 255 Primary Healthcare Centres in the state had been renovated, equipped and upgraded to Level 2 status.

It also noted efforts to expand access to maternal, newborn, child and adolescent healthcare services, while strengthening routine immunisation and disease surveillance.

The association said the government was also revitalising secondary healthcare facilities, with general hospitals undergoing infrastructure renewal, while modern medical equipment had been procured to enhance diagnostic capacity.

It further commended the government for recruiting healthcare professionals across various cadres, strengthening workforce planning and supporting continuous professional development and capacity building.

The association said the state government had sustained the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical doctors and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for eligible healthcare professionals.

NARD also noted the regular funding of the Medical Residency Training Fund by the state government, describing it as an important investment in the training of future specialist physicians.

The association said sustained support for residency training would help strengthen the availability of specialists and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare services available to residents of Kaduna State.

The commendation comes amid ongoing efforts by the state government to improve healthcare infrastructure, strengthen the health workforce and expand access to quality medical services across the state.