Zulum Approves N200m for Sponsorship of Residency for 150 Medical Doctors

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has approved the release of N200 million to support about 150 medical doctors to attend a residency programme and obtain a broad range of medical knowledge, basic clinical skills, and supervised experience practising medicine in various fields.

Zulum, who is a fellow of the postgraduate medical school, announced the approval on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he received the National Executive Officers of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Zulum explained that while about 50 medical doctors working with Borno State Government will receive N2 million each, over 100 doctors who are Borno indigenes working with different federal institutions will receive N1 million each.

The governor expressed gratitude to the visiting delegation and assured them that healthcare service delivery is one of his administration’s priorities.

Zulum also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, and the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, for their support in improving health in Borno State.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association has appointed the Borno State Governor to champion the universal applicability of quality healthcare delivery and the welfare of the health workforce.

The president of NMA, Professor Bala Audu, announced the appointment on Wednesday at the council chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to the governor.

He said: “Your Excellency, we have a very important request for you to be for the NMA, champion for the universal applicability of quality healthcare delivery as well as the welfare of the health workforce.”

He added that: “We know it is a difficult challenge, but you have the capacity for it because you have shown it and exemplified it in Borno State.”

The NMA president also commended Governor Zulum for several infrastructure projects in the healthcare sector and for improving the welfare of health workers in Borno.

“Your Excellency, sir, we started our activity today by flagging off a medical outreach. Doctors from different specialities from all over the country are at one of the PHCs. This outreach is aimed at showing support for the tremendous work that your government is doing in the field of healthcare delivery,” Professor Bala stated.

He also said: “Your Excellency, the NMA recognises the tremendous and successful efforts Borno State Government is making with great strides, particularly in healthcare and education.”

He noted: “Despite the challenges at the Primary Healthcare level, Borno State Government is one of the key champions of effective primary healthcare and has received national leadership in primary healthcare.”