Posted on: Thu 08-05-2025

The National Executive Council Meeting and the Annual General/Scientific Conference and Delegates Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was held at the Bello Kofar Bai Secretariat Hall, Katsina from the 28th April 2025. The theme of the conference was “The Universal Applicability of Care Standards for Patients and the Wellbeing of Healthcare Providers.”

The National Executive Council meeting was heralded by courtesy calls on the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Mallam Dikko Umar Faruk CFR, the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Umar Faruk Umar CFR, the Hon Commissioner of Health Katsina State, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, the Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, Dr. Suleiman Bello Mohammed, the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre Katsina, Dr. Babatunde Alabi, the Royal Highness, Chief Executive Officer of MaxAir, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal OON and the Katsina State Orphanage, off the orphanage medications, educational materials and foodstuffs for balanced nutrition were donated. The orphanage officially adopted the free medical care and surgical outreaches across all three senatorial districts of Katsina State, including 100 free eye surgeries and medications at Katsina Eye Center (Daura Zone), and 100 free surgical procedures at Malumfashi LGA (Funtua Zone).

The Opening Ceremony of the AGSC/ADM under the distinguished chairmanship of the prominent Nigerians including the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe, CON, represented by the Chief Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, Honorable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, represented by Dr. Jubril Yakubu, the Honourable Commissioners of Health of Katsina and Kano States, and other dignitaries.

The keynote address was delivered by Emeritus Prof. Musa Muhammad Borodo, here emphasized that Government especially at the Federal level must be intentional in developing robust healthcare systems to deliver the dividends of democracy to the citizenry. He also urged for salary harmonization for health workers across the country. The ceremony was also graced by Past Presidents of the Association, Past Secretaries from the 36 States and the FCT.

The National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which followed the opening ceremony had in attendance NEC members from the 36 states and the FCT, statutory and ad-hoc Committee Chairmen as well as medical doctors from over the country had engaging conversations. The President Dr. (Prof) Bala Audu in his remarks welcomed members to the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and appreciated members for their commitment to ensuring that quality care is improved across all the health systems and that the health system continues to improve remarkably to ensure quality health services across the Nigerian populace.

OBSERVATIONS:

• NEC notes with appreciation the giant strides undertaken by the government of Katsina State especially in the health sector and urge him to continue to support the entrenchment of quality healthcare in the State.
• NEC commends the gesture of the Kano State Government in supporting the Association building project in Abuja and appreciates the state for the donation.
• NEC observes the implementation of improved remuneration for the doctors working with Abia State government and commends the government His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti CFR and appreciates the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno for finding three (3) members of the Association.

RESOLUTIONS:

• NEC resolved to continue to encourage that the universal applicability of care standards to patients across the country be implemented.
• NEC resolved to institute an award of recognition to the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for the uncommon support to the Association towards its building project.
• NEC resolved that all doctors who are interested in doctors housing project should get their names across to the National Officers Committee for onward submission to the developer, NEC also encouraged State Chairmen to visit, inspect and familiarize themselves with the land across the various States their members subscribe for comprehensive health insurance that has favorable premiums.
• NEC, unilaterally rejects the proposal on the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency on the policy to restrict stakeholders and medical practitioners that are on locum appointment be offered permanent appointment by the Federal Government.
• NEC resolved to continue the processes for the establishment of a Medical University by the Nigerian Medical Association to advance the course of medical education in Nigeria.
• NEC resolved to seek alternative sources of funding for the completion of the NMA building and also to explore legislation for the existing structure.

APPRECIATION:

The Nigerian Medical Association expresses its sincere appreciation and is immensely grateful to the following personalities for their various roles and support before, during and after the meeting:

• The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
• His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda CON.
• The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
• The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
• The Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
• The Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu.
• The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas.
• His Royal Highness, Abdul Umar Faruk Umar CFR, the Emir of Katsina.
• The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fatima Kyari.
• Ag. Registrar of the National Postgraduate Medical College, Dr. S.S. Sule.
• The keynote speaker and other sub-theme speakers.

Special appreciation to the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Muhammad Sani Abubakar, sponsors, volunteers and corporate organizations who supported the hosting of the NEC and the AGSC/ADM, and congratulates the NMA Katsina for a hitch-free hosting.

Signed,

Dr. (Prof) Bala Audu PRESIDENT

Dr. Benjamin Egbo SECRETARY GENERAL

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