President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Kaduna State, Dr Rufai Mahmood-Usman, on Wednesday, called on Governor Uba Sani to declare a state of emergency in the health sector.In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, while congratulating Sani and his Deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Usman said that the association expects the new government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, particularly in primary healthcare.The NARD expressed the hope that the new government would be guided by the Almighty to have the wisdom and ability to fulfil its campaign promises to the people of Kaduna State.
The association urged the new administration to adopt new strategies to tackle insecurity, noting that is the biggest menace affecting the socio-economic development of the state and the country.
“I want the governor to declare a state of emergency in the health sector. Previous administrations have invested heavily in health particularly the primary health care level which is the first level of health.
“Unfortunately the referral/secondary health centres for example general and rural hospitals were not strengthened in terms of infrastructure and health personnel.
“We are expecting infrastructural renovations and upgrades of all hospitals across the state,’’ he said.
Usman also urged the governor to review the salaries and other allowances of health workers and other civil servants, including hazard allowance for doctors.
“We expect the new government to look inwards and implement the already existing document on medical doctors and other health workers review salary structure.
“When this is implemented, more doctors and other health workers will rush to join Kaduna state civil service.
“We also expect more educational reform in all levels-primary, secondary, and tertiary and Local government reforms,” he said.
He also called on the government to review revenue collection across the board.
He stated that the expectations of the association are the same as those of every other citizen in the state, which include promoting unity amongst people of the state by having an all-inclusive government and infrastructural development in rural communities.
