By Hassan Ibrahim
The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna State Branch, Dr. Aisha Mustapha, has pledged to provide inclusive leadership, prioritise the welfare of doctors and dentists, and improve the working environment for healthcare professionals after becoming the first woman to head the association in Kaduna State.
Speaking after her election, Dr. Mustapha expressed gratitude to doctors and dentists across the state for the confidence they placed in her leadership. She said the victory belongs to all members of the association and prayed for the wisdom, courage and strength to deliver on the promises contained in her manifesto.
She appealed to members of the State Officers’ Committee, the State Executive Council, affiliate associations and the entire membership of the NMA to support her administration, stressing that the objectives of her manifesto can only be achieved through collective commitment and teamwork.
Dr. Mustapha said her administration would sustain the achievements recorded by previous leaders while introducing programmes that address the changing needs of doctors working in government hospitals, private health facilities, universities and other medical institutions.
She explained that every affiliate has unique welfare concerns, and her administration would work closely with them to develop practical and lasting solutions through dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
Among the key priorities of the new administration, she said, are improved welfare packages, the resolution of issues relating to professional and call-duty allowances, and stronger advocacy for the rights and interests of doctors across Kaduna State.
She also promised to make the mental health and wellbeing of doctors a major focus, noting that excessive workload and staff shortages have exposed many healthcare workers to burnout. According to her, improving doctors’ wellbeing is essential to ensuring quality healthcare delivery for patients.
She assured members that her administration would work with relevant authorities to promote safer workplaces and enforce a zero-tolerance approach to attacks on healthcare personnel.
She further identified medical quackery as a major challenge affecting healthcare delivery in Kaduna State and promised to intensify awareness campaigns while strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to curb the activities of unqualified practitioners.
Dr. A’isha concluded by urging members to put political differences behind them and work together in the interest of the association.
She promised to maintain an open-door policy, encourage constructive criticism and ensure that every member has the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the Nigerian Medical Association in Kaduna State.
