The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has warmly praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his recent payment of the medical residency training grant. This financial support is seen as a significant endorsement of his commitment to enhancing healthcare services in Rivers State and is expected to substantially improve the morale of the resident doctors.
In a detailed press briefing held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Dr. Nimi Briggs, President of ARD at RSUTH, spoke about the positive impact of the grant. He emphasized that this funding would enable resident doctors to engage more extensively in research and innovation. With the added resources, they will be better equipped to deliver the highest standards of medical care to the residents of Rivers State and contribute positively to healthcare across Nigeria.
Dr. Briggs also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh. He highlighted her pivotal role in facilitating this significant achievement, noting that the governor’s action represents a critical step toward addressing the brain drain problem that has long plagued Nigeria’s healthcare sector. By supporting the residency training program, the state government is helping to retain talented medical professionals within the country.
The ARD President stressed that this grant, combined with other state government policies aimed at improving healthcare, will be instrumental in keeping the most skilled medical minds from leaving Nigeria. He stated, “It is with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation that I stand before you today to express our collective thanks to the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his unwavering support in sustaining specialist training through the payment of the medical residency training grant.”
Dr. Briggs noted that the residency training program is vital for developing the next generation of medical specialists. These specialists will tackle pressing health challenges and advance medical research. Timely payment of grants ensures that these doctors are well-prepared to serve their communities with excellence.
He continued, “The support from Governor Fubara and Dr. Oreh is a decisive step in reducing the brain drain affecting our healthcare sector. This assistance helps keep our brightest minds within our borders and ensures they are equipped to deliver top-notch care.”
Dr. Briggs is optimistic that this support will lead to the effective implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act of 2017 in Rivers State. He believes that this will promote residency training and ensure timely funding for research, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery and raising the quality of care available to all residents.
He concluded by expressing profound thanks to Governor Fubara and Dr. Oreh, commending their vision and dedication to advancing healthcare. Dr. Briggs is confident that their support will pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for Rivers State and contribute positively to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In a related development, Governor Fubara recently allocated N300 million to support 389 medical doctors currently undergoing residency training within the state’s civil service. This substantial funding underscores his commitment to improving the medical training and overall healthcare system in Rivers State.
