ASABA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his outstanding commitment to the welfare of medical practitioners and the advancement of healthcare delivery in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, NARD National President, Dr. Tope Osundara, described Governor Oborevwori as “a man of honour,” noting that Delta was the first state in the country to fully pay the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for resident doctors.
Presenting an Award of Excellence to the governor, Dr. Osundara said the payment was a landmark gesture that would significantly boost medical training and improve healthcare services for the public. “The essence of the MRTF is to equip resident doctors with the knowledge and resources needed to excel in their examinations and training. When they return, they come back with quality, and the people benefit from quality healthcare. Many states are still grappling with how to pay, but Delta has already done it,” he remarked.
The NARD leader also applauded the state government for paying acculturation allowances, granting tax rebates to doctors, and investing in critical medical infrastructure, including the provision of four CT scanners and an MRI machine in each senatorial district. “Lagos with all its glory has not done up to what I have seen and heard about in Delta. For a state-owned hospital to have this equipment, Your Excellency, you deserve to be praised,” Osundara added.
He further commended the Oborevwori administration for improving hospital access roads through Julius Berger, stressing that such interventions would make healthcare more accessible to residents.
In his response, Governor Oborevwori welcomed the delegation, describing their visit as timely, especially in the wake of NARD’s recent strike warning. He emphasized that Delta had met its obligations and should be exempted from any industrial action. “My administration is among the first three states in the country to fully pay medical residents. We are also the first to pay all resident doctors irrespective of their place of assignment. We have held up our part of the bargain, and I believe Delta should be exempted from the warning strike,” the governor stated.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s cordial relationship with doctors, noting that every request from the Ministry of Health that reached his desk had received approval. He assured the association that the state government was addressing the accommodation challenge at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, stressing that funding was not the problem but contractor compliance.
Oborevwori expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigerian doctors, insisting that with the right equipment, they could deliver world-class medical care in the country. “Our doctors are world-class. What they need are modern tools. If we provide the necessary equipment, they will excel here instead of leaving to work as medical assistants overseas,” he said.
