Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu has reaffirmed Govt’s continued committment to ensure that salary arrears of Health Care Workers in ABSUTH and Hospital Management Board are paid soonest.

Dr lkpeazu who reaffirmed this while declaring open the 2021 Abia State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association Physician’s Week celebration held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia said efforts are being made to bring lasting solutions to the challenge and appealed to striking Doctors to resume duties and give negotiations a chance.

The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu disclosed that the present administration has since taken measures to ensure that the Health system in the State is adequately strengthened for the common good of Abians as attention on treatment of COVID-19 is now centered in the Secondary and tertiary centers with attendant equipment and facility to fight the pandemic.

He described the theme of this year’s Physician’s Week” Nigeria In The COVID Era: Health System Strengthening For National Security And Prosperity” as remarkably apt and restated Govt’s resolve to equip and man the primary Health Care Centres to assist in taking care of the health of the citizens as they continue to fight the scourge of COVID 19 as this will help in achieving National Security and prosperity.

The State’s Chief Executive who congratulated Abia State Chapter of ( NMA) their yearly celebration, appreciated their commitment to the ongoing NMA Secretariat and Event Centre Project and reaffirmed Govt’s determination to ensure the completion of their enviable project which he described as first of its kind among States in the South East Zone.

In his address ,the Chairman NMA ,Abia State Chapter, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu said they are committed to the welfare of Doctors, increasing relevant of NMA and accountability in governance, completing their event centre, building project and building partnership for healthcare delivery in the State and appealed to Govt to help boast doctors moral by paying all the arrears owed to Medical Doctors

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman on the occasion,Dr. Sam Ahaiwe who described that the annual physician week provide them the opportunity to renew their oaths as physician do societal responsibility programmes, refresh their memories on topical health issues as well as renew their successes and failures on area of health services.

The event which featured presentation of plaque to the keynote Address Speaker, Prof. Madu Awa of the Gregory University Uturu, by the Abia State Branch of NMA attracted the presence of the wife of the Governor,Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu represented by her principal Secretary Mrs Love Ezema,, The ( SSG) Mr. Chris Ezem , Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji, his SME Counterpart Mrs.Adaku Oseiza and stakeholders in the Health sector.

Charles Reporting From Deputy Governor’s Office.
27th October, 2021