Ahead of the 2023 elections in Nigeria, the Enugu state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has urged those aspiring for various political positions in the state to give credence to the health sector.
The association stated this during a Dialogue with Gubernatorial Front-Runners on Health Sector Agenda Setting and Consensus Building on Saturday in Enugu, the state capital.
Dr. Celestine Ugwoke, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State chapter said that the NMA in the state needed to hear from the aspirants, and their plans for the sector if elected.
Ugwoke said that the NMA in the state was particularly concerned about the health needs of people in the rural areas, hence the need to assess the commitment of political aspirants to supporting the sector.
“We aim at having a robust interaction on ways to move the health sector of the state forward, especially providing holistic healthcare to the benefit of rural dwellers and all residents in the state.
“In our interaction, the health professionals will know the political candidates’ blueprint on health; and get their buying into existing and running health system frameworks that needed to be strengthened for further positive results.
“One of the contestants and Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in the state, Dr. Chijioke Edeoga said that the administration, if elected will prioritize staff welfare in reducing brain drain.
Edeoga represented by Dr. Celestine Ugwoke said that the government would also focus attention on strengthening the primary healthcare subsector for the benefit of rural dwellers.
“The Labour Party will ensure that all health facilities lying fallow in the state are put to beneficial use and provide technology to ensure proper and secured data capture in health facilities among others,” he said.
