Nasarawa doctors reject govt directive against private practice

Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Nasarawa State Chapter, has rejected a directive by the state government for its members to desist from private practice and shut down their private health facilities or risk losing their jobs.

State Chairman, Dr. Sabo Emmanuel, stated this during a press briefing at the end of an emergency executive meeting of the association in Lafia.

He said, “Medical doctors on the payroll of the state government had never been found wanting or compromised their official duties as they engage in private practice according to the laid down rules guiding establishment and operating private hospitals and clinics.

“Private practice by medical doctors in the state had contributed immensely in bridging the gap in the health sector which had gone a long way in meeting the increasing medical needs of the people over the years.

“We are calling on the state government to concentrate on addressing issues bordering on the welfare of doctors in the state especially lack of promotions which had lingered on since 2010 and annual salary increments among others.”

Dr. Sabo Emmanuel said that as at August this year, over 150 health workers in the state had been infected with COVID 19.

It could be recalled that the Nasarawa State government had recently directed medical doctors on its payroll who are engaged in private practice to shut down their facilities or risk losing their appointments with the government.