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The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, NAGGMDP, has called on the federal and state government to enroll all doctors in a comprehensive life insurance scheme, saying this is one way to broaden the welfare and retention policy.
The doctors argued that with the increasing occupational hazards, including insecurity, workplace violence, and exposure to infectious diseases, the life insurance scheme was urgent and necessary.
They made the call on Sunday, in a press statement signed by the NAGGMDP President, Dr Anas Shanono, the Secretary-General, Dr Ezekiel Ladan and Dr Alexander Woke, the National Publicity Secretary, and issued at the end of its 34th AGM and National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference held at the doctors’ house, Lukosi, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The conference was themed: “Fixing the Broken Chain: Restoring the Link Between Primary and Tertiary Care,” with a sub-theme: “Health Sector on the Edge: Retaining Talent in Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector.”
The Council insisted that no doctor should work under conditions that leave their families vulnerable in the event of untimely death, and urged governments at all levels to do all they can to help them.
They commended the governments of Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Delta, Kano, Ekiti, Rivers, Kebbi, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States for proactively domesticating the reviewed CONMESS circular and implementing improved welfare packages for doctors.
According to the doctors, these states have a clear understanding of the central role of healthcare workers in national development and have improved the morale, productivity and retention of medical personnel in the public sector.
The doctors, however, expressed displeasure over the federal government’s delay in reconvening and concluding the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, opining that it is a critical step in rebuilding trust and stability in the health sector.
Part of the statement reads,”Governments were reminded that improved remuneration is an investment in the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“The Council calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Federal Ministry of Labour to urgently reconvene the stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations without further delay.
“The NEC further urges both Federal and State Governments to immediately enroll all doctors in a comprehensive life insurance scheme as part of a broader welfare and retention policy.
“The NEC passionately appeals once again to the Federal Government not to relent in its ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country. The restoration of security remains central to reversing medical brain drain, stabilising healthcare delivery, and enabling safe working conditions for doctors in rural and semi-urban communities.”
Meanwhile, it reiterated its dedication to promoting the welfare, respect, and career development of Nigerian government-employed doctors and dentists, stating that it is still open to cooperation, communication, and partnership in order to create a resilient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system for all Nigerians.
DAILY POST reports that the meeting brought together key stakeholders including past presidents, national officers, state chairpersons, leaders of affiliate bodies, healthcare administrators, government representatives, professional partners, among others.
Doctors call for enrollment into life insurance scheme amid rising occupational hazards
