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Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Wednesday hosted the 45th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Katsina. The event brought together resident doctors from across Nigeria, alongside dignitaries, health sector leaders, and government officials.
Governor Radda used the occasion to emphasize patriotism and service in the medical profession, urging doctors to place public welfare alongside their professional growth.
He reaffirmed that healthcare remains a top priority of his administration, highlighting efforts to strengthen primary healthcare, upgrade select primary health centres to general hospitals, and introduce renewable energy solutions to ensure uninterrupted 24-hour service.
In his address, Governor Radda welcomed all participants and expressed appreciation to NARD for choosing Katsina as the host city, describing it as recognition of the state’s growing role in healthcare development.
He also thanked the Association for awarding him the NARD Award of Excellence, which he accepted on behalf of himself, the Katsina State Government, and the people of the state.
Highlighting the critical role of medical professionals, Governor Radda assured resident doctors of the government’s continued support.
“Our administration will ensure that all health workers in Katsina State receive the necessary support to enhance their welfare and deliver essential services to our people,” he said. He added that investments in primary healthcare would reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary facilities, while ongoing infrastructure improvements would enhance service delivery across the state.
Dr. Mustapha Abubakar Yaro, Consultant ENT Surgeon and former Medical Director of the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, and his team presented the Award of Excellence to Governor Radda, praising his commitment to advancing the welfare of doctors nationwide.
Earlier, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, chairman of the organizing committee and incoming NARD President, in his address highlighted challenges facing resident doctors, including low remuneration, security concerns, and limited career progression.
He noted that the number of resident doctors has declined from around 15,000 in 2014 to approximately 8,000—a trend often referred to as the “Japa Syndrome.” He commended states like Katsina for initiatives to retain health workers and urged continued efforts to address these challenges.
NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, described the conference as the result of collaborative efforts by the National Officers Committee (NOC), Extended NOC, and National Executive Council (NEC).
He observed a minute of silence for colleagues lost in the past year and highlighted NARD’s achievements, including resolving disputes, improving member welfare, and strengthening partnerships with institutions such as LAUTECH Ogbomosho, ARD Kaduna, BDTH, and ARD FCTA.
The conference theme, “Mitigating Health Worker Migration through Extra-Remuneration Incentives: A Strategy for Sustainable Development,” guided discussions on fair pay, career development, and motivation strategies to retain healthcare workers.
The event attracted government officials, senior NARD members, heads of health institutions, resource persons, and hundreds of resident doctors from across Nigeria. Participants engaged in technical sessions focused on policies, remuneration, career progression, and strategies to sustain the
country’s healthcare workforce.
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