Yahaya Idris, Lafia.
Nasarawa state House of Assembly, has urged the state government to prioritise special scholarship for the state indigenes studying medical and other science related courses at tertiary institutions to boost manpower of the state health sector.
The assembly’s motion was based on the protracted crisis between the state government and the Health workers most of whom are said to be non committed to the interest of the state and its people,because they are not indigenes .
Hon. Labaran Usman Shafa (APC Toto/Gadabuke), Chairman House committee on Health, who moved the motion under matters of public interest at the Tuesday’s plenary, said that despite all pleadings by respected and relevant stakeholders including the governor, Traditional rulers and the Assembly, the Leadership of the Health workers remained adamant, and therefore suggested that special attention be devoted to the training of indigenes in medical , Health and relevantly related courses
After contributions by the lawmakers, the motion scaled through in support of the scholarships as it would go a long way in boosting the capacity of the state indigenous doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals who will have interest of the people of the state at heart and could be patriotic to serve even in times of emergencies like COVID-19.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, in his ruling said that if the state government encourage the indigenous students to read medicines and other science related courses through the provision of special scholarships to the categories of health related students, will go a long way in addressing a lot of problems associated with health workers strike in the state.
“I want to 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.
“The health workers at the local government level suspended their strike by reasoning with us as most of them are our indigenes while those at the state level refused to suspend their strike despite the house intervention, our 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 the last option not first option
“The resolution therefore reads 1, The state government 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 read medicines and other science related courses to serve our people.
“2.The state government is encouraged to arrange for special scholarship for our medical students studying in different universities.
” And 3.the state House of Assembly is also of the view that professional ethics of medical doctors should be respected and establishment of private hospitals by medical doctors engaged by the state government should be discouraged or possibly be discontinued, ” he said.
He directed the clerk to communicate the House resolution to Gov. Sule for his action.
Earlier, 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 who will be o citizens that will guarantee the service’s required, through a bond between the state government and the beneficiaries of the scholarship, ” he said.
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.
