Doctors hail Ambode for resolving health sector issues

DOCTORS in Lagos yesterday hailed the efforts of the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode towards resolving the outstanding issues relating to welfare of doctors as well as improving the healthcare delivery in the state. Speaking at the General Meeting/Scientific Conference & Continuing Medical Education of the Medical Guild in Lagos, Chairman of the Guild, Dr. Biyi Kufo acknowledged the effort of the Governor in improving the health sector in the state since he assumed office.
“We had met with Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode during the run up to the governorship election and informed him about the issues we have and he made a promise to resolve the issues if he was elected,” he said.
He also disclosed that Governor Ambode had directed that medical doctors currently on contracts  be converted to permanent staff and the salaries during the three months of industrial action be paid.
“I am delighted to inform the house that having delivered on all the promises, we are grateful to Governor Ambode not only for fulfilling his promise to us but has also rekindled the faith of our membership in the political leadership in Lagos State, we have also commenced discussions with government over implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS,” he said.
On his part, Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Tope Ojo, commended the governor for his various discussions with the medical personnel, especially over implementation of the corrected CONMESS salary scale.
In his keynote address, Governor Ambode, urged medical professionals to continuously uphold the Hippocratic Oath in the discharge of their duties, just as he assured them of his administration’s commitment to their concerns.
He also assured that the state government under his watch will be open to suggestions for efficient health care delivery systems in the state.
Governor Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Primary Health Care, Dr. Femi Onanuga, said his administration has committed public funds to uplift medical infrastructure so as to ensure that first class healthcare service is delivered to the people of the state.