NMA urges Fubara to recruit more healthcare workers in Rivers
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to enhance the recruitment of healthcare professionals to align with recent investments in healthcare infrastructure. The call for additional personnel aims to bolster service delivery throughout the state.
Dr. Ureh Oparaodu, chairperson of the NMA, made the appeal during a press conference in Port Harcourt, coinciding with the observance of the 2026 Physicians’ Week. Oparaodu commended the governor for his contributions to the health sector, including salary increases for doctors and expansion of healthcare facilities.
She stated that while the establishment of more health centers and infrastructure investments have improved healthcare access, sufficient staffing is crucial for optimal operational effectiveness.
Highlighting the new zonal hospital in Omoku, Oparaodu noted that the facility would significantly enhance access to secondary healthcare for residents in the Orashi region. “The more infrastructure you put in place, the more healthcare workers you need, not just doctors, but all those who contribute to a complete healthcare system,” she said.
Oparaodu remarked that improved remuneration has made the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) increasingly attractive to doctors from other states seeking employment. However, when asked for specific statistics regarding the impact of salary increases on the retention of doctors in Rivers State, she stated that she was unable to provide exact figures.
“It is difficult to give precise statistics because, as clinicians, we deal with definitive figures,” she explained. She added that the updated salary structure at RSUTH has generated interest from medical professionals outside the state.
Addressing the issue of unqualified medical practitioners, commonly referred to as quacks, Oparaodu indicated that the NMA collaborates with the Rivers State Ministry of Health through an anti-quackery committee to identify and investigate suspected cases. The association also responds to public complaints regarding questionable healthcare practices and assesses the qualifications of practitioners.
“Once we receive a complaint, we focus our efforts in that direction to verify the legitimacy of the healthcare provider,” Oparaodu stated, acknowledging the ongoing challenge of medical quackery, which often leaves the public unable to differentiate between qualified and unqualified practitioners. She emphasized the necessity of public education as part of the association’s strategy to combat this issue.
The NMA is also advocating for improved staffing as part of broader concerns regarding the future of medical practice in Nigeria. This includes addressing issues such as doctors’ welfare, burnout, workplace safety, and migration trends in the healthcare sector.
During the opening ceremony of Physicians’ Week, Oparaodu highlighted the importance of healthcare professionals prioritizing their well-being to ensure they can provide high-quality care. She called for responsible integration of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and other digital health technologies while underscoring the importance of patient confidentiality and ethical standards.
As part of the week’s activities, the NMA plans to teach basic life-support skills to primary school students, provide free medical and surgical services, and offer training and mentorship opportunities for emerging doctors in Rivers State.
