By Stanley Nwako
Doctors at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, have commended the Anambra State Government for the payment of their Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), salary shortfalls arising from the implementation of the new Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and specialist allowances for eligible doctors.
The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), COOUTH, Dr. Joy Okwumuo, described the development as a significant boost to the morale and welfare of doctors in the institution.
Okwumuo, in a statement, commended the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for his commitment to improving the welfare of medical practitioners and strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.
She particularly appreciated the payment of the MRTF above 100 per cent and the settlement of outstanding shortfalls arising from the implementation of the new CONMESS, describing the development as a meaningful step towards addressing the concerns of doctors.
According to her, the approval and payment of specialist allowances to eligible doctors, including Medical Officers above CONMESS 5 and junior Registrars, would further boost the motivation of healthcare workers and enhance the quality of services delivered to patients.
She also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for his accessibility, interventions and commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers in the state.
The ARD president equally acknowledged the leadership of the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, for her support and efforts towards ensuring that the welfare of doctors remained a priority in the institution.
Okwumuo further expressed appreciation to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) for its continued advocacy and support, while commending members of ARD-COOUTH for their patience, resilience and confidence in the association's leadership throughout the engagements.
She described the development as a product of constructive engagement, patience, advocacy and responsive leadership, noting that improved welfare for doctors would ultimately translate into better healthcare services for the people of Anambra State.
“Today, we celebrate progress. We celebrate the fruits of constructive engagement, patience, advocacy and responsive leadership,” she said.
While acknowledging that some areas may still require further attention, Okwumuo said the doctors had chosen to recognise and appreciate the progress made so far.
She said the development demonstrated that dialogue, purposeful leadership and collective commitment could produce positive results.
The ARD president congratulated doctors in the institution and expressed hope that the positive developments would continue to strengthen their morale and commitment to patient care.
She thanked Governor Soludo, the Commissioner for Health, the Chief Medical Director, NARD and members of ARD-COOUTH for their respective contributions, saying, “Together, we keep moving forward.”
