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“Stay The Course, Better Days Ahead,” Alausa Urges Nigerian Doctors

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8 months ago

Mar 9, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that in an impassioned plea to Nigerian doctors, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, urged them not to succumb to the temptation of seeking greener pastures abroad, assuring them that the current hardships are temporary and that better days lie ahead.

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During his visit to the Federal Medical Center in Abeokuta, coinciding with the 105th meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors, Alausa acknowledged the challenges faced by medical professionals due to the current economic situation, but he appealed to their patriotism and resilience.

“I know because of the high value of the dollar, your salaries have gone down. Things are a bit hard. But I don’t want to go; I want you to stay. Toughen it up. Things will get better,” Alausa stated, echoing the sentiments of President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister emphasized the President’s unwavering commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges, even if it meant making difficult decisions.

“This president said that for me to fix this country, I have to take bold and difficult decisions. There will be pains, but into the future, we’re all going to benefit,” Alausa quoted the president.

Alausa reassured the doctors that their profession would never lead them to starvation, urging them to bear with the government during this transition.

“Even what you’re making now is not enough, but you will not starve on it. Bear with this president. Bear with this government,” he pleaded.

Highlighting the government’s efforts, Alausa revealed that the President has already set up a committee to comprehensively review the welfare package for medical professionals. “The president doesn’t believe in talk. He believes in action,” he added.

Young Doctors, addressed by Tunji Alausa

Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the significance of the 2024 budget, describing it as the biggest in the country’s history, with a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and modernizing hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment.

Alausa also highlighted the President’s commitment to revitalizing the healthcare sector, citing recent approvals for the construction of six new cancer centers across the six geopolitical zones and 12 diagnostic centers nationwide.

Additionally, he mentioned the restoration of funding for regulatory bodies like the Medical and Dental Council, the Nigerian Nursing Council, and the Pharmaceutical Council.

“This president, anything about healthcare, we get a yes answer from Mr. President, President Bola Ametunubu,” Alausa affirmed, adding that the President is working tirelessly, often clocking 16 to 18 hours a day, to revamp the country’s economy.

Alausa concluded by calling on Nigerians to exercise patience and support the President’s efforts, stating, “Our country is on the right trajectory. The fundamentals are being built in a robust, sustainable way. Decades to come, Nigerians, our current generation, future generations to come, our grandchildren will be the beneficiary of the bold steps, bold decisions this president, President Bola Ametunubu, has taken.”

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