BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged Nigerian doctors to consider joining the Armed Forces to support ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, saying the military’s Medical Salary Structure (MSS) offers better remuneration and welfare than the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in the civil service.
The NMA National President, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, made the call during a courtesy visit to the 312 Artillery Regiment, Kalapanzi Barracks, Kakuri, Kaduna.
Audu commended the military for its sacrifices in defending the nation, noting that medical professionals play a strategic role in sustaining troop morale and operational efficiency on the frontline.
According to him, soldiers who risk their lives daily in defence of the country deserve quality healthcare services both in operational theatres and within military health facilities.
“The troops who put their lives on the line on behalf of all Nigerians also require adequate healthcare even at the frontline. Globally, the military remains one of the foremost frontiers of medical research and advancement”.
On the persistent migration of Nigerian doctors abroad, Audu disclosed that over 50,000 Nigerian-trained doctors are currently practising outside the country, attributing the trend partly to better welfare packages overseas.
“There seem to be more Nigerian doctors outside the country than within. This reflects the high quality of training they receive here, as many countries actively recruit them. But beyond international migration, there is also internal migration within Nigeria, as doctors move to institutions where welfare is better taken care of. In this regard, the military deserves commendation”.
The NMA president described the medical facility at Kalapanzi Barracks as impressive and comparable to international standards, praising its cleanliness, organisation and patient-centred approach.
“It is clean, well-organised and structured in a way that creates an atmosphere of wellness for patients. The level of attention given shows that the staff are motivated and committed. This is clearly supported by effective leadership”.
Responding, the Commanding Officer of the 312 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel I.J. Ufua, described the visit by the NMA leadership as a rare honour for the unit.
He appreciated the association’s advocacy for ethical leadership and professional healthcare development, assuring that the military would continue to strengthen collaboration with the NMA.
Ufua noted that sustained partnership between the Armed Forces and medical professionals is vital to improving healthcare delivery for personnel, especially as the country continues to grapple with security challenges.
