The Chairmanship aspirant for Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Ebonyi State Chapter, Dr Dandy Igwe Eruogu has vowed to establish unity among doctors in the State Ministry of Health and those in private practice, in order to improve the health system in the State.
He said his administration will eliminate what he described as apathy in NMA, which according to him has done more harm than good within the health sector.
Eruogu who stated this while briefing newsmen in Abakaliki concerning his Chairmanship aspiration, added that “I will not leave our secretariat unattended to; doctors especially the young ones need a break in issues concerning levies. We have all tried, please”. He disclosed
“I will eliminate apathy in NMA. it has done more harm than good to us. I will always be available to serve. We’ll work in unity with those in the Ministry and private practice to improve healthcare system in the state. We must be fair to all.” He added
Eruogu explained that he will collaborate with the present administration in the State, Entrepreneurs and some of his friends, in order to boost the financial status of the Association.
He said the initiative will further assist the Association’s revenue generation mechanism, which include the payment of dues, for the execution of projects by the NMA in the State.
He also gave the assurance that if elected on the 1st of August, 2026 as the substantive Chairman of NMA in the State, his administration will not levy Ebony State doctors for two years for any execution of project.
“Those who want to donate voluntarily can do that. I will get approval and all necessary resources from government, entrepreneurs and my friends, which we’ll add to a little percentage of our dues to execute our projects.
“Those going for exams from this October must be paid Exam Allowance. Minimum of ₦50,000.00. It is compulsory.” He emphasized
According to him, I have a reasonable political network in the country, which I’ll utilize to lobby the Chairmen from the North to support “ONE DOCTOR, ONE VOTE”. People from their area will call them.
“From the very week I enter office, I’ll push for a timeline for the CBA committee to conclude their assignment. That is very important because 2027 election is fast approaching and after that election, I don’t know what will happen.
“I’ll help the ARD in our various centers to achieve a whole lot from management. Yes, I have the capacity. We need functional call rooms and at least running water. We’ll help management to succeed because when doctors are happy, they’ll be happy too.
“In cases of failed deduction of dues for months in any center, I won’t be a party to deducting more than #10,000 from a doctor’s salary in a month. God forbid. Anything that’ll make anyone shed secret tears, we must avoid it.
“I have plans to have functional Medical Elders Forum. They’ll collaborate with the SOC to interface between doctors and stakeholders in the state. The welfare of our lecturers in the college(s) must be looked into.
“As a lover of football, I will support sporting activities with at least twice what other states are doing. We’ll all be happy. We won’t leave academics untouched but let’s eat and breath first. Our rapid response team will be there to give us attention in times of need. With unity, the NMA we desire will come.” He concluded