Economic Recession Worries Physicians

The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Imo State Chapter, Dr Darlington Akukwu, has expressed sadness over the negative impact of the present economic recession, and charged medical practitioners not to be deterred but strive to render selfless services to humanity.

Akukwu, who spoke at the luncheon to mark the end of the 2016 Physicians’ Week in Owerri, also called on members of the NMA to work as a team in efforts at restructuring their dilapidated secretariat located at Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.

He commended the theme of this year’s physicians week, “Healthcare in Frail Economy: Challenges and Way Forward”, stressing the importance of individual health to national development even in the present economic down-turn.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Physicians’ Week, Dr Victor Eche, called on the government to implement policies that will maintain a well-structured healthcare system to provide comprehensive healthcare to all, irrespective of class.

He tasked the government not to allow the already poor health “indices depreciate further under the present economic recession”, urging for timely implementation of the National Health Act signed into law in 2014.

Also contributing, the Chairman of the luncheon/award ceremony, Dr Darlington Amamasi, acknowledged that the present economic situation has affected the medical practitioners, but called on the government to support practitioners to improve healthcare delivery services for the citizenry.

In a goodwill message, former deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha described the timing of the physicians’ week as apt, but decried the poor healthcare delivery system in the state occasioned by government neglect.

He frowned at a situation where some avoidable and treatable health cases have been allowed to take the lives of Imolites, accusing the state government of not providing affordable healthcare services for Imolites as a priority.

Ihedioha appealed to the medical practitioners to reduce their rate of labour unrest which threatens the health challenges of patients, advising them to channel much of their energy into the orientation and mobilisation of constituents in demanding for good governance and accountability from elected leaders.

The Health, Women Affairs and Social Development Commissioner, Barrister Ngozi Njoku, affirmed government’s love for medical practitioners in Imo State, appealing to them to exhibit passion for their services.

The week-long activity concluded with the church service and luncheon at the Cathedral of Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL) and City Global Hotel, Owerri, respectively.

It also witnessed Radio Health Talk, Free Medical Outreach, Visit to Medical Elders, Novelty Football Match between NMA and ALVAN Teams, Scientific Conference and Walk for Life.