The Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, RSUTH, has lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent payment of the medical residency training grant, noting that this move not only underscores his commitment to advancing healthcare in Rivers State but also significantly boosts the morale of resident doctors.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing in PortHarcourt on Tuesday, President of ARD, RSUTH Chapter, Doctor Nimi Briggs highlighted that the grant will enable resident doctors to engage more deeply in research, foster innovation, and equip them with the tools needed to provide the highest standard of care to residents of the state and Nigeria at large.
Dr Briggs also commended State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, for her pivotal role in achieving this milestone, noting that the governor’s action is a decisive step towards mitigating the brain drain that has plagued the country’s healthcare sector.
The ARD President emphasised that the residency training grant, along with other state government policies aimed at improving healthcare, will help retain the brightest medical minds in the country.
“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, GSSRS, for his unwavering support in sustaining specialist training through the payment of the medical residency training grant.
“This remarkable gesture not only underscores the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare in Rivers State but also significantly boosts the morale of resident doctors.
“It empowers us to delve deeper into research, fosters innovation, and equips us with the necessary tools to provide the highest standard of healthcare to the good people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
According to Briggs, “The residency training program is the backbone of our healthcare system, as it molds the next generation of medical specialists who will tackle the most pressing health challenges and medical research for advancing healthcare service delivery.
“By ensuring the timely payment of these grants, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi FubaraGSSRS and our esteemed Honourable Commissioner for Health. Dr(Mrs) Adaeze Oreh has taken a decisive step in reducing the brain drain that has plagued our healthcare sector for far too long.
“This support not only keeps our brightest minds within our borders but also ensures that they are well-equipped to serve our communities with excellence.
“We, the resident doctors, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, are now more motivated than ever to push the boundaries of medical research and innovation.”
Dr Briggs expressed confidence that this bold step by the State Government will facilitate the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act of 2017 in Rivers State, encouraging residency training and timely payment of funds for research purposes.
He said, “This will not only improve health service delivery but also elevate the standard of healthcare available to every Rivers citizen and resident.
“The ripple effect of this support will be felt across Nigeria as we continue to share knowledge, collaborate with our peers, and contribute to the global medical community.
“With this bold step taken by the State Government, we believe the Medical Residency Training Act of 2017 will be domesticated in our dear State and this will seamlessly encourage residency training and payment of medical residency training funds to resident doctors for research purposes.
“I want to sincerely appreciate His Excellency for promoting doctors, payment of upgraded hazard allowance and payment of consolidated medical salary structure in our dear State. This milestone can only be achieved by a visionary leader.
“Once again, on behalf of all resident doctors, I express our deepest gratitude to the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Oreh.
“Your vision, dedication, and unwavering support are not only sustaining our training but are also paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous future for Rivers State and our great nation.”
Last week, Governor Fubara released N300 million to support 389 medical doctors in the state’s civil service who are currently undergoing residency training.
Gov Fubara addressing brain drain with payment of Residency Training Grant – ARD
