The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State Branch, has renewed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Health towards addressing critical challenges confronting the healthcare sector, including brain drain, professional burnout and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
The NMA made this known during a courtesy visit by its newly constituted State Executive Council to the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladeinde, at the State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.
The delegation was led by the State Chairman of the Association, Dr. Enimola Sunday, and comprised the General Secretary, Dr. Oluseye Abiodun Olufunso; Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Ayokunle Oluwaseun Adeleye; Treasurer, Dr. Soneye Islamiat; Public Relations Officer,Dr. Akintunde Rotimi Richard; Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Kareem Yesiru Adeyemi; Immediate Past Chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi; and Immediate Past Secretary, Dr. Osikoya Oludotun Jonathan.
The State Public Relations Officer,Dr. Akintunde Rotimi Richard, formally introduced the delegation during the engagement, after which the NMA leadership also had an opportunity to interact with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Lateef Tayo Lawal.
According to the Association, Dr. Lawal shared valuable perspectives with the new NMA leadership on the current realities of the healthcare sector, particularly the challenges of brain drain and burnout among healthcare professionals.
The Special Adviser also offered practical examples and possible approaches towards mitigating the challenges, while the engagement provided an opportunity for a frank and constructive exchange of ideas on how government, the medical profession and other stakeholders could work together to improve healthcare delivery in Ogun State.
Speaking during the visit, NMA Chairman, Dr. Enimola Sunday, appreciated the Permanent Secretary and the Special Adviser for their warm reception and valuable contributions to the engagement.
Dr. Enimola subsequently sought the Ministry’s support for some key initiatives of the Association, including the forthcoming NMA Physician Week and other projects aimed at strengthening the Association and promoting the welfare of medical practitioners in the state.
He also appealed for support towards the acquisition of a new bus for the Association, noting that it would enhance the effective coordination of NMA activities and programmes across Ogun State.
Another major request was the rehabilitation of the road leading to the NMA House, which the Association identified as a longstanding challenge requiring government attention.
The NMA Chairman further expressed the Association’s desire to continually seek the guidance and counsel of the Permanent Secretary and other senior stakeholders in the health sector on issues concerning the growth and development of the NMA and healthcare delivery in Ogun State.
Responding, Dr. Oladeinde appreciated the NMA leadership for the courtesy visit and assured the delegation of his continued support for the Association and the medical profession.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that, regardless of his present administrative position, he remains a medical doctor and would continue to identify with and support the profession.
On the request for a new NMA bus, Dr. Oladeinde acknowledged that the matter had been under consideration for some time and expressed optimism that a positive resolution would eventually be reached.
He, however, noted that addressing the condition of the road leading to the NMA House might involve more complex considerations, while encouraging the Association to explore other possible avenues and options for resolving the challenge.
Dr. Oladeinde thanked the NMA delegation for the courtesy visit and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement and collaboration between the Association and the Ministry.
The meeting ended on a cordial note with an exchange of gifts and a group photograph, further reinforcing the spirit of partnership and mutual commitment to advancing healthcare delivery in Ogun State.
