As Katsina State on Wednesday hosts the 45th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dikko Umaru Radda, the State Governor has pledged his administration commitment to the health sector reform.
The event brought together resident doctors from across Nigeria, alongside dignitaries, health sector leaders, and government officials to the State capital, Katsina on Wednesday
Radda, while declaring the event open, urged NARD to place public welfare alongside their professional growth.
He reaffirmed that healthcare remains a top priority of his administration, highlighting efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, upgrade select primary health centres to general hospitals, and introduce renewable energy solutions to ensure uninterrupted 24-hour service.
“Our administration will ensure that all health workers in Katsina State receive the necessary support to enhance their welfare and deliver essential services to our people,” he said. He added that investments in primary healthcare would reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary facilities, while ongoing infrastructure improvements would enhance service delivery across the state.
Earlier, Mohammad Usman Suleiman, chairman of the organising committee and incoming NARD President, in his address highlighted challenges facing resident doctors, including low remuneration, security concerns, and limited career progression.
He noted that the number of resident doctors has declined from around 15,000 in 2014 to approximately 8,000—a trend often referred to as the “Japa Syndrome.” He commended states like Katsina for initiatives to retain health workers and urged continued efforts to address these challenges.
Osundara Tope Zenith, NARD President highlighted NARD’s achievements, including resolving disputes, improving member welfare, and strengthening partnerships with institutions such as LAUTECH Ogbomosho, ARD Kaduna, BDTH, and ARD FCTA.
The conference theme, “Mitigating Health Worker Migration through Extra-Remuneration Incentives: A Strategy for Sustainable Development,” guided discussions on fair pay, career development, and motivation strategies to retain healthcare workers.
