Plateau state government on Thursday said it has employed more than 412 Doctors and other Health workers into the state health sector to boost the capacity of the system to respond to the needs of the people in both rural and urban areas.
Lalong made this known while speaking at the 61st Annual General Scientific Conference and Delegates Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association NMA held in Jos.
He said “We shall continue to employ more especially as we complete the new hospitals under construction.
In his words “We are glad that you chose Plateau State as the venue for this years’ annual meeting of this great Association, the NMA. Your choice of Plateau State is certainly not misplaced as our Rescue Administration has done a lot to restore peace and security in the State. Your presence here confirms the confidence that Nigerians and the global community now has in the State.”
” I therefore invite you to enjoy all the boundless hospitality that the Home of Peace and Tourism and its people have to offer in terms of serene weather; scenic beauty; and accommodating people. ”
He said that This year’s Annual General Scientific Conference with the theme: “Nigeria and the Global Health Agenda 2030” is very timely and auspicious because of the growing need for access to quality and affordable healthcare among the citizens. Indeed, your choice of sub-themes also reflects the reality of the times that are defined by Covid-19.
He also said “We are all witnesses to the challenges that have been generated by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic which have stretched and threatened the nation’s health system as well as other sectors, including the economy. Because of the pandemic, health workers and patients have continued to face enormous risks within the system and regrettably with some fatalities.
That is why my administration has devoted a considerable amount of attention and resources to improving the health sector by specifically addressing infrastructure, manpower and access. This we believe remains the only way we can give our people the quality healthcare they require to contribute to the development of the State and the nation at large.
” It is no longer news that we inherited a troubled healthcare sector which has been struggling for a very long time due to neglect, dwindling manpower and low funding. ”
As a State, we are doing our best to key into the efforts of the Federal Government to improve healthcare funding and delivery in Nigeria under the leadership of His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari.
Distinguished guests, and members of the medical profession, permit me to highlight some out of the many efforts we have made to revamp our health sector in Plateau State since we came into office. Shortly after assuming office, we approved the Implementation of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health care workers. This was in addition to the Payment of all outstanding salary arrears for all civil servants, including doctors and other health workers.
The Governor further said “To beef up the health infrastructure in the State, we prioritized the completion of all inherited health projects that were abandoned for many years. These include the Riyom General Hospital and Trauma Centre; General Hospital Kwall, Kanke LGA; as well as General Hospital, Mabudi in Langtang South LGA. They will all be commissioned soon.
” In addition, we commenced the construction of six new modern General Hospitals across the three geopolitical zones of the State under the Lalong Legacy Projects. This is the game-changer for our people because on completion, these will be world standard health facilities that will not only meet the needs of our people, but also lure Nigerians and people from other countries for medical tourism to Plateau State.”
