By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has lauded what it described as the proactive and unprecedented efforts of the Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia in advancing the health sector, citing the governor’s adequate care for the welfare of medical doctors in the North-Central state.
NARDS disclosed the position at the end of its May 31, 2025 Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference, held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
A communique released at the end of the conference, and dated May 31, quoted the association as noting that Gov. Alia was the first governor in the country to fully implement the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) at the newly approved rate, setting a benchmark for other states in the country .
In addition to the MRTF, NARD also commended the Governor for ensuring timely and complete payment of other critical allowances including the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), Hazard Allowance, and Accoutrement Allowance for medical doctors in the state.
The communique read, in part: “The OGM commends His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia (Benue State), for demonstrating unprecedented commitment to residency training by being the first Governor to pay MRTF at the new rate and ensuring up-to-date payment of CONMESS, hazard, and accoutrement allowances”.
The communique added that the Governor’s efforts in strengthening the healthcare sector and retaining professional medical personnel in Benue State, especially in an era where brain drain and poor medical infrastructure have become rampant challenges across the nation, showed the high importance that his administration placed on the lives of the people.
It could be recalledl that under the Alia government, there have been significant improvements in medical infrastructure, medicare and welfare of medical workers which have positioned Benue as a state on the verge of becoming a hub for healthcare delivery.
According to the communique, the Governor has always assured the people of the state of his administration’s determination not just to build a resilient and people-centered healthcare system, but that it will continue to focus on all sectors to improve public wellbeing.
