Abeokuta – The National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, has praised the Ogun State Government for its various healthcare initiatives and policies aimed at improving medical services for residents.
He, however, called for the full implementation of the ongoing review of doctors’ salaries and retirement age by the National Council on Health, stressing the need to curb the increasing migration of medical personnel.
Prof. Audu, who was in Abeokuta for the NMA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, led his team on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele.
He highlighted the growing concern of medical professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities, noting that many states advertising for doctors have struggled to attract applicants.
“We advocate for a review of doctors’ salaries and retirement age, particularly for those offering clinical services in hospitals,” he said.
The NMA President expressed satisfaction with a recent medical outreach in Ala Idowa, Ijebu, praising the Primary Health Centre and the active participation of community members.
He also commended the state government for the establishment of the 250-bed hospital, which he said would address major health challenges and enhance healthcare delivery across the country.
Prof. Audu added that despite the shortage of medical personnel, NMA remains committed to providing high-quality and internationally competitive healthcare services.
Responding, Deputy Governor Oyedele welcomed the NMA team and thanked them for choosing Abeokuta for this year’s NEC meeting.
She reaffirmed the Abiodun-led administration’s commitment to medical personnel welfare and quality healthcare, highlighting the 2026 budget appropriation which allocates N210 billion to the health sector.
“We have upgraded 142 Primary Healthcare centres to ensure citizens across the state have access to effective medical services,” she said.
The Deputy Governor further pledged continued collaboration with the NMA, urging the association to strengthen advocacy campaigns and build public confidence in the State Health Insurance scheme for both formal and informal sectors.
She also noted that the 250-bed hospital, though inherited, has been equipped with world-class facilities to reduce medical tourism abroad and serve as a centre of medical excellence.
