New Taraba NMA Chairman Targets Brain Drain, Doctors’ Welfare
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Newly elected Taraba NMA Chairman, Dr Bitrus-Atizwen Daniel
JALINGO, Nigeria – The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Taraba State branch, Dr Bitrus-Atizwen Daniel, has pledged to prioritise doctors’ welfare and work with government and key stakeholders to tackle the persistent shortage of healthcare workers and improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Daniel made the commitment after becoming chairman during the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Jalingo.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the branch’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Bright Ekhibise, the new chairman described his election as both an honour and a call to service, promising transparent, accountable and inclusive leadership.
“This is both an honour and a responsibility. Together, we will build a stronger association that protects the welfare of doctors and advances quality healthcare for the people of Taraba State,” Daniel said.
He said his administration would focus on improving doctors’ welfare, strengthening professional development and ensuring medical practitioners have a greater voice in shaping health policies and decisions affecting public health.
Daniel also appealed for unity among consultants, resident doctors, medical officers, house officers and private practitioners, saying collaboration would strengthen the association’s ability to advocate for improved healthcare services.
He identified brain drain, inadequate health infrastructure, manpower shortages, increasing workload, insecurity and limited resources as major challenges undermining healthcare delivery in Taraba.
According to him, addressing these problems will require sustained engagement with the state government and other stakeholders to improve working conditions, recruit more health professionals and strengthen health institutions.
The immediate past chairman, Dr Adamu Kara, urged members to support the new leadership, stressing that improving doctors’ welfare and expanding access to quality healthcare would require collective commitment.
Kara noted that despite financial constraints during his tenure, the association remained committed to defending the interests of its members and providing support during difficult periods.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah 
Oluwafunbi Bello 