Rabiu Omaku
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly irked over the one month strike embarked upon by Joint Action Committee on coronavirus Pandemic over the nonpayment of special package by the State Government has declared the State of Emergency on the health sector.
The State lawmakers says the declaration of State of Emergency became necessary due to the negative effect of the strike, Hon.Muhammed Muluku representing Nasarawa Eggon East,Mohammed Omadefu and Hon.Ibrahim Peter representing Obi 1 and 2 respectively supported the move.
Hon Muluku said one of their colleagues died of coronavirus pandemic due to the strike action embarked by doctors
The Assembly wants State Government to initiate special scholarship for indigenous medical students as the only means to compliment the acute shortage of medical personnel from the State.
The House resolved that the State Government should initiate special scholarship for the State indigenous medical and other science related courses students to encourage them in their studies to boost the health manpower need of the State.
The members says the sponsorship of indigents students would translate to more doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals who will have the health interest of the people of the state at heart unlike allowing non indigenious doctors and other health professionals who always embarked on strike without due considerations to the lives of the citizenry.
The Speaker,Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi made the call after Hon Usman- Labaran Shafa (APC Toto/Gadabuke) ,Chairman House Committee on Health raised the issue under matters of public interest during the House proceedings.
He said that if the State Government encouraged the indigenous students to study medicine and other science related courses through the provision of special scholarship to them it will go a long way in addressing a lot of problems associated with health workers strike in the state.
“I thank Hon Shafa, the mover of this motion and all of you for contributing positively on this important matter of the health of our people.
” When I heard about the health workers strike by the State and Local Government workers, I immediately directed the House committees on Health and Local government respectively to intervene and resolve all their differences amicably, Though health workers at the Local Government level suspended their strike by reasoning with us as most of them are from the State while those at the State level refused to suspend their strike despite the intervention of the House,our Royal fathers, the traditional rulers also intervened and the State Government through the Deputy Governor who is their colleague also spoke to them severally on the matter but they refused.I was surprised even with the threat of COVID 19.
“I am not saying that doctors and other health workers should not be giving what belongs to them or that they should not pursue their rights no,I am saying that they should be considerate and have human feeling as they took oath to protect lives and strike should be not be the last option not first option”
“Honestly, I have agreed with all the contributions made by all of you by passing the following resolutions to the effect that –
The Assembly resolved that the State Government should as a matter of urgency initiate the establishment of medical school in the state, particularly at the State owed University, Keffi and to encourage our indigenous students to study medicine and other science related courses to serve our people.
“That the State government should special scholarship for our medical students studying in different universities.
That the Assembly resolved that no professional doctor employed by the State Government should flaunt the professional ethics of medical doctors by operating private hospitals or clinic whatsoever.
He directed the clerk to communicate the House resolution to Governor Sule for his action.
Hon Usman- Labaran Shafa ( APC-Toto Gadabuke) the Chairman, House Committee on Health while moving the motion appealed to his colleagues to support his motion to enable the State Government train indigenes in medicine and other science related courses for long run benefit.
Shafa while giving reasons for his motion said that most of the doctors that always went on strike without considering its implications on citizens or putting the interest of the State in their hearts do find it easier because they are non-indigenes, hence the need for the State Government to train its indigenous students in medicines and other science related courses.
” I want this Honourable House to give optimal consideration on my motion that the State Government should as a matter of urgency and necessity to initiate an avenue or intervention.
” Such as special scholarship that will encourage and train our indigenes in medicines, pharmacies and other science related courses so that in the long run between 5 and 8 years or above.
“We will begin to have our indigenous medical professionals and the general health being of the citizens will be guaranteed through a bond between the state government and the beneficiaries of the scholarship, ” he said.
This Shafa said by then the state will be exporting doctors to other states instead of importing.
Hon Daniel Oga Ogazi, the House Deputy leader seconded Hon Shafa’s motion and Members who spoke during the deliberation also thrown their weights on the motion, urging the State Government to encourage indigenous students to study medicines and other science related courses.
In a related development, A bill for a law to Repeal the Nasarawa State Local Government Staff Pension Board Edict 1998 and Re-Enact Nasarawa State Local Government Pension Board Law 2020 scaled first reading during the House proceedings as it was sponsored by Hon Muhammad Odege Okpoku (APC), member representing Udege/Loko constituency.
