Posted on: Mon 30-05-2022

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 62ND ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE & DELEGATES' MEETING (AGC/DM) OF THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HELD AT THE EUI EVENT CENTRE, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE FROM 15TH- 22ND MAY, 2022  

PREAMBLE 

The 62nd Annual General Conference & Delegates' meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association tagged "Garden City 2022" was held from 15th - 22nd May 2022 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme "Current Emergencies in Building a Resilient Health System for Nigeria: Situation Analysis and Solution". The subthemes were "Epidemics and Pandemics in Nigeria - Past, Present, and Quo-Vadis; The Challenges of Human Resources for Health in Nigeria: Innovative Solutions and Prospect, and Environmental Degradation: Health Impacts and Solutions". 

The Chairman of the event, His Excellency, Sir(Dr.) Peter Odili, former Governor of Rivers State, was represented by Prof. Michael  Diejomaoh, Vice-Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event was opened by His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ably represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Health; Senator (Dr.) Otorunnimbe  Adeleke Mamora. The keynote speaker was Prof. Daprim S. Ogaji, Professor of Health System and Public Health at the University of Port Harcourt and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. 

The Annual General Conference & Delegates meeting which was attended by over six hundred members, including the delegation of the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD), the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG) and the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA)featured a medical outreach, an opening ceremony and scientific session with the presentation of scientific papers cutting across various fields of medicine. The presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians and members who had positively impacted the Nigerian Medical Association and the Nigerian Health sector, exhibitions by pharmaceutical companies and the Delegates meeting with the election of new National Officers that shall pilot the Association from 2022 to 2024 also took place.

Distinguished Nigerians and members honoured with Meritorious Service Award included His Excellency, Sir (Dr) Peter Odili; former Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo  Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS Africa (Governor of Rivers State), and His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (Governor of Delta State). The NMA Meritorious Service Award was also bestowed on Hon. (Dr.) Tanko Vusuf Sununu; Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, National Assembly and former Secretary-General of NMA and Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe; Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, National Assembly. 

The Associations' Distinguished Service Award was conferred on Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs) Amina Abu baka r Bello; First Lady of Niger State, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs)Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu; First Lady of Kebbi State and Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ugwuye Ayade, First Lady of Cross Rivers State, while His Excellency, Senator (Dr.)Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, was honoured with the Distinguished Award to a Unique Family of Doctors. 

The National Officers Committee 2018-2020, led by Dr. Francis Adedayo Faduyile and the 2020-2022 National Officers Committee led by Dr. Innocent A.O. Ujah, FNMA, were also respectively honoured with the Distinguished Service Award of the Nigerian Medical Association in recognition of their diligent service to the Association. 

The medical outreach which held at Primary Health Center (PHC)Adanta, Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, was flagged off on Monday, 16th May 2022 by the Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Nwanosike Samuel, who was represented at the event by the Vice-Chairman, Hon. Rejoice Nyenwe. Free medical services were rendered to 9,866 citizens of the area.

There were courtesy calls to the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Dame Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, DSSRS; Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs) Ndidi Chikanele Utchay; Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board; Dr Agba Harry; Chairman of lkwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Nwanosike Samuel; The Paramount Ruler of Port Harcourt and Royal Father of the occasion, His Royal Majesty; Eze Barr. Uchechukwu Isaiah Elikwu, JP, the Eze Epara Ribisi, the XII; the Chief Medical Director, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Prof. Henry A.A. Ugboma and Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Friday Aaron. 

Elections were also conducted into the various offices of the National Officers Committee (NOC)from 2022 to 2024. The following officers were elected to run the affairs of the Association for the next two years; Dr Uche Rowland Ojinmah, a Consultant Dermatologist, who is the 31st President of the Nigerian Medical Association. Other members of the National Officers Committee are Dr Sulaiman Alhassan; Vice President 1, Dr AdetunjiAdenekan; Vice President 2, Dr Jide J. Onyekwelu; Secretary-General, Dr Simeon Omakoji  Oyiguh; Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Yakubu Mohammed El-Yakub; National Treasurer, Dr Gbelela Z. Dolani; National Financial Secretary and Dr Jeremiah Israel; National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Innocent A.O. Ujah; Immediate Past President and Dr. Philips Uche Ekpe; Immediate Past Secretary General. 

OBSERVATIONS 

1. ADM observed the continued deterioration in the health status of Nigerians despite calls by the Nigerian Medical Association on Governments at all levels to implement scientifically proven strategies that would positively impact the health of Nigerians. 
2. The ADM was dismayed by the relegation of issues concerning the health of Nigerians to the background, especially during the electioneering campaigns. 
3. The ADM noted that out-of-pocket health expenditure by Nigerians remains a monstrous impediment to access to healthcare by Nigerian families. The ADM, therefore, applauded the recently signed National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)Act which promises to expand healthcare coverage to 83 million eligible Nigerians by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 
4. The ADM reiterated the need to establish a Health Bank, which will increase access to funds to develop world-class medical facilities and reverse medical tourism. 
5. The ADM observed with immense concern the delay in legislative concurrence by the National Assembly to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Bill(Repeal and Re-enactment)2021 with consequent negative implications on the regulatory functions of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and medical and dental practice in Nigeria. 
6. The ADM emphasized the central role of the dwindling Nigerian Health workforce and its harmful effects on the health outputs and outcomes of the ordinary Nigerian and decried the lack of political will in implementing the relevant policies that will promote development and retention of Human Resources for health. 
7. The ADM noted with immense displeasure the non-payment of salaries to members in the employment of Abia State Government for 25 months, leading to a mass exodus of doctors from the State employment and the attendant negative impact on health care delivery in the State. Furthermore, this action has led to disruption of medical education with the loss of accreditation to train medical students by the State's Teaching hospital. ADM was particularly worried about the emergence of a similar ugly trend in Imo and Ondo State Governments, where members are owed six months' salaries and Ekiti State, which is in arrears of two months' wages. 
8. The ADM commended the parties involved in the ongoing negotiation between the Federal Government and affiliates of the NMA, namely MDCAN and MEDSABAM and appealed to the Government of Nigeria to speedily resolve all matters in the interest of industrial harmony in the health and educational sectors. 
9. The ADM observed that the Federal Government of Nigeria was yet to implement the Circular approving the new Hazard Allowance for doctors released in December 2021 due to the extension of the 2021 budget to May 2022. 
10. The ADM commended the Acting Editor of the Nigerian Medical Journal, Dr Datonye Dennis Alasia and his team for the progress made so far and reviewed the report of the NOC Ad-hoc Committee on the appointment of a substantive Editor.
11. ADM noted the selfless and outstanding service rendered to the NMA by the National Officers Committee 2020-2022 led by Dr. Innocent A.O. Ujah, FNMA, and wished all the Officers well in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTIONS 

1. The ADM urged political stakeholders to bring a concrete plan on health and demonstrate their willingness to strive for a robust health care delivery to Nigerians. It further resolved to mobilize against candidates and political platforms without a concrete political agenda that would entrench in Nigeria a sound healthcare delivery system. 
2. The ADM urged the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to quickly deploy mechanisms that would facilitate the speedy implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)Act.
3. The ADM appeals to the Senate President Distinguished Senator Ahmad Lawan, the Speaker Federal House of Representatives; Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamita and the Health Committees of the legislative chambers to accelerate the process that will culminate in legislative concurrence by the National Assembly to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Bill (Repeal and Re-enactment) 2021. 
4. The ADM directs NMA Abia State Branch to mobilize its members to embark on total strike action every Tuesday of the week by ALL its members in public and private sectors in the State until the Government of Abia State pays the legitimate salaries owed its members. 
5. The ADM appeals to the Governors of Ondo, Ekiti and Imo States to ensure the payment of all salaries owed to doctors in their states without further delay 
6. The ADM urges the Government at all levels to demonstrate strong political will and committee implementing policy documents that will bring about the needed paradigm shift in Nigeria's health sector. 
7. ADM reiterates the need for Government to commit 15%of the annual budget to the health sector in line with the Abuja Declaration by Africa's Heads of State in 2001. 
8. ADM reaffirms that a vibrant Primary Health Care System remains the backbone of the healthcare delivery system and urged the Government to direct efforts towards revamping the hitherto comatose tier of the Nigerian healthcare system. 
9. The ADM urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to commence the FULL implementation of the circular of December 2021 that approved the upward review of Hazard Allowance for the Nigerian Medical and Dental Practitioners. 
10. The ADM ratified the conferment of award of Fellow of the Nigerian Medical Association (FNMA) on Prof Wole Atoyebi(Past Secretary-General and Past President of NMA)and posthumous National Roll of Honour on the late Dr Dennis Ifeanyi. 
11. The ADM ratified the appointment of Dr Datonye Dennis Alasia as the substantive Editor of the Nigerian Medical Journal(NMJ)
12. The ADM ratified the Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN)change of name to the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners(ANPMP).

APPRECIATION 

The Nigerian Medical Association expresses profuse gratitude to the following: His Excellency, President Mu hammadu Buhari GCFR (President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria); Sir (Dr.) Peter Odili, Former (Governor of Rivers State); Senator (Dr.) Olorunnimbe Adeleke Ma mora, (Honourable Minister of State for Health); His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS Africa (Governor of Rivers State); Deputy Governor of Rivers State; Her Excellency, Da me Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, DSSRS; Dr Newton P. Igwele (Honourable Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State); Hon Allwell Ihunda (Mayor of Port Harcourt); Hon. Nwanosike Samuel (Chairman of lkwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State); Hon. Rejoice Nyenwe (Vice-Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State); His Royal Majesty, Eze Barr. Uchechukwu Isaiah Elikwu JP, the Eze Epara Rebisi the XII and Paramount Ruler of Port Harcourt; Dr. (Mn) Ndidi Chikanele Utchay (Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health); Dr. Agba Harry (Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board); Prof. Henry A.A. Ugboma (Chief Medical Director, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital); Dr Friday Aaron (Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Dr Kenneth Okagua (Chief Medical Director, Rivers State Hospitals Management Board); Prof. Michael Diejomaoh (Vice Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State); Prof. Obinna Onodugo (Chief Medical Director, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu);Dr Emem Bassey (CMD University of Uyo Teaching Hospital); Prof Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo (Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital); Prof. Chituru G Orluwene (Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University); Prof Angela Frank-Briggs (Provost, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt); Prof. Cajetan C. Onyedum (Dean Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka); Prof Chizindu A. Alikor (Chairman Local Organising Committee, NMA AGC/DM 2022)and his team; Prof. Daprim S. Ogaji, Professor of Health System and Public Health, University of Port Harcourt and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji (Chairman/CEO, Elshcon Nigeria Limited); Chief Azubuike Nmerukini (Former Mayor of Port Harcourt City); Dr. Richard Okoye (MD, Save a Life Mission Hospital, Port Harcourt); Dr. Nde Martins, Medical Director, St. Martin's Hospital, Port Harcourt and Tokiye Integrated Medical Services Limited.

Signed:

Dr. Uche R. Ojinmah

President 

Dr. Jide J. Onyekwelu 

Secretary General 

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