Chairmanship aspirant for the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ebonyi State Branch, Dr. Eruogu Dandy Igwe, has unveiled a welfare-driven agenda ahead of the association’s election, pledging to abolish salary deductions, levies, and any increase in dues if elected.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, the Senior Registrar in the Department of Psychiatry at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), said his administration would prioritize the welfare of doctors and restore confidence in the association.
According to Dr. Igwe, many members have become disillusioned with the NMA due to years of poor welfare policies and leadership practices that focused more on meetings and financial deductions than members’ interests.
He alleged that a small group within the association had created division by repeatedly recognizing the same individuals while neglecting the broader membership.
“Our members deserve an association that protects their interests, not one that places unnecessary financial burdens on them,” he said.
The NMA chairmanship hopeful assured members that his proposed two-year administration would not introduce salary deductions, additional levies, or increases in monthly dues.
He maintained that the current monthly contributions paid by doctors are adequate to execute meaningful projects across the state.
According to him, where additional funding is required, his administration would seek support from both the state and federal governments rather than imposing extra financial obligations on doctors.
Dr. Igwe stressed that young medical professionals already face significant economic challenges and should not be burdened with additional charges.
As part of his infrastructure agenda, Dr. Igwe pledged to lobby relevant government authorities to facilitate the completion of the NMA Ebonyi State Secretariat, including fencing and landscaping of the facility.
The aspirant also endorsed the One Doctor, One Vote (ODOV) initiative, describing it as a vital step toward ensuring transparency and fairness in future NMA elections.
He further promised to collaborate with the national leadership of the association to conclude and implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) before the 2027 general elections.
According to him, successful implementation of the agreement would improve doctors’ salaries and remuneration, helping to reduce the migration of Nigerian medical professionals abroad.
Dr. Igwe said his administration would work closely with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) across hospitals in Ebonyi State to improve healthcare delivery.
Among his priorities are ensuring uninterrupted water supply and stable electricity in public hospitals.
He described situations where healthcare workers fetch water outside hospital premises as unacceptable and called for urgent intervention.
To address recurring power failures, he proposed installing solar-powered systems in critical hospital units, including operating theatres, emergency departments, surgical units, and neonatal wards.
According to him, reliable electricity in these areas is essential to prevent avoidable deaths and improve patient care.
On professional standards, Dr. Igwe pledged to strengthen the NMA ethics committee to ensure accountability and discipline among medical practitioners.
He said any doctor found guilty of serious professional misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with established regulations.
The chairmanship aspirant also announced plans to establish an EDAS Forum alongside a rapid response team dedicated to addressing doctors’ welfare, entitlements, and emergency situations.
He added that his administration would promote stronger collaboration between public and private healthcare practitioners to improve healthcare services across Ebonyi State.
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