To address the issue of doctors leaving their home countries to seek better professional opportunities, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has approved the allocation of N200 million to sponsor 150 medical doctors for overseas residency programs.
Governor Zulum, who is also a member of the postgraduate medical school, made this announcement during a meeting with the Nigerian Medical Association’s National Executive Officers in Maiduguri.
The breakdown of the program includes N2 million for each of the 50 doctors employed by the Borno State Government and N1 million for over 100 doctors from Borno working in federal institutions.
Zulum expressed his gratitude to the delegation and emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services.
Furthermore, Governor Zulum praised Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, for their assistance in enhancing healthcare services in the state.
The Nigerian Medical Association has appointed Governor Zulum as a champion for advocating universal access to quality healthcare and promoting the welfare of healthcare workers.
This appointment was announced by Professor Bala Audu, the president of the NMA, during a visit to the Government House in Maiduguri.
He added, “We know it is a difficult challenge, but you have the capacity for it because you have shown it and exemplified it in Borno State.”
The NMA president also commended Zulum for several infrastructure projects in the healthcare sector and for improving the welfare of health workers in Borno.
“Your Excellency, sir, we started our activity today by flagging off a medical outreach. Doctors from different specialities from all over the country are at one of the PHCs. This outreach is aimed at showing support for the tremendous work that your government is doing in the field of healthcare delivery,” Professor Bala stated.
He stressed, “Your Excellency, the NMA recognises the tremendous and successful efforts that the Borno State Government is making with great strides, particularly in healthcare and education.
“Despite the challenges at the Primary Healthcare level, Borno State Government is one of the key champions of effective primary healthcare and has received national leadership in primary healthcare,” he lauded the Zulum administration.”
