Okam Emerges Anambra NMA Chairman, Promises To Prioritise Members’ Welfare
Dr Princeston Okam, the newly elected chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra chapter has promised to make welfare and protection of members the priority of his administration.
Okam, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi succeeded Dr Jane Ezeonu, the first female chairman after the election held in Onitsha on Saturday.
Other elected officers include Dr Ndubisi Arua(Vice Chairman), Dr Ifeanyi Obieli,(Secretary), Dr J.P. Okoyeocha,(Assistant Secretary) Dr Ifechukwu Uzoma, (Treasurer) and Dr Chinedu Olisa (Finania! Secretary).
Others were Dr Ahoma Mbanuzuru (Publicity Secretary) Dr Nonye Ezeonyejiaku, (Social Secretary).
Okam who spoke to journalists in Awka on Sunday said he would run a united, vibrant and all inclusive administration.
He described his emergence as a victory for Anambra NMA, saying he would ensure every member including his co-contestant was brought on board.
“The election brought the best out of us but it is over now, we must work together to achieve our common goals,” he said.
Okam said and his team would work with his team to ensure that packages of members as stipulated in NMA rules and regulations were accorded them.
He said the NMA would interface with Anambra government to evolve a reviewed and improved salary structure for doctors in State employ as well as harmonise taxes payable by private practitioners.
Okam said he hoped to set up NMA Anambra Co-operative Society where pooled funds could be assessed by members in need at a low interest rate.
*We intend to liaise with the state government to ensure our colleagues in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital get their reviewed CONMESS, hazard allowance, residency training fund and other benefits.
*We will also pursue a renegotiated tax to ease
the burden of tackle the problem of harassment by government agencies arising from non clarity in the taxes our members in private practice are supposed to pay, it is important that we determine that,* he said.
Okam, who appreciated his colleagues for their confidence in him, promised to operate an effective, responsive and accountable Secretariat while expressing hope that the State NMA permanent site would take off during his tenure.
Okam said the NMA would combat quackery within the practice and ensure that all hospitals in the state were properly indexed, noting that the association would collaborate with the Anambra government to achieve the objective.
According to him, we shall set up a rapid response team at various ones which will with the Chairman to address challenges involving members including acts of violence against doctors by patients or patient
relatives.
