By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri 
 
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Borno State Branch has emphasised the need for a multisectoral approach to the management of emerging and re-emerging ailments of public health importance in the state.
 
Also, the NMA urged for a partnership with the Ministry of Health, especially during this post-insurgency era of recovery and development that the health sector is currently undergoing.
 
These were contained in the communiqué signed, Dr. Yakubu Mohammed El-Yakub, NMA Branch Chairman, at the end of its annual general meeting held at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri.
 
The Congress appreciated the laudable achievements of the Borno State government, particularly in the area of health infrastructure. 
 
“Partnership between NMA and the Borno State government at this stage, as Borno is approaching full recovery and consolidating on many fronts, is of paramount importance; therefore, all hands must be on deck to actualise this.
 
“There is an absolute need to strengthen the level of coordination, as this will go a long way in combating the rise in cases of emerging and re-emerging diseases within the state. A multidisciplinary approach is non-negotiable.”
 
The Congress therefore called on the state government to implement the new hazard allowance, the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and other entitlements for effective service delivery.
 
“We noted with dismay the effect of inflation on its members and described it as unbearable, particularly for doctors working with the state services, as the new hazard allowance, the revised CONMESS, and other entitlements are yet to be implemented.” He said.
 
Our correspondent reports that the State Branch of the NMA also conducted its election, and new executives were elected who will pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.
 
The elected executives include Dr. Yakubu Mohammed El-Yakub as Chairman; Dr. Muhammad Abba Fugu as Vice Chairman; and Dr. Abubakar Kaka Sanda as Secretary.
 
Others include Dr. Mustapha I. Mustapha, as Assistant Secretary; Dr. Abubakar M. Askira, as Treasurer; Dr. Mohammed Goni, as Financial Secretary; Dr. Suleiman Muhammad Farusi, as Publicity Secretary; Dr. Musa Isa Ibrahim, as Social and Welfare Officer; Dr. (Prof.) Bukar Bakki, as Ex-Officio I; and Dr. Kaka Mahdi Gazali, as Ex-Officio II.