The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), rose from its May 2025 Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference with a rousing commendation Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for it described as “his proactive and unprecedented administrative acumen and efforts” in advancing the health sector.
NARD’s AGM which held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, also applauded Governor Alia’s adequate and commensurate care for the welfare of medical doctors in the state.
The Resident Doctors noted that Governor Alia’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, therefore, shows the high importance that his administration has placed on the lives of his people, thus deserved commendations.
These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the AGM of NARD dated May 31, 2025, in which the Residents Doctors specifically hailed Governor Alia for being the first governor in the country to fully implement the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) at the newly approved rate, thereby setting a benchmark for other states in the federation.
The NARD noted that apart from the MRTF, Governor Alia also ensured the 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 NARD communique stated; “The AGM 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.
“Governor Alia’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, therefore, shows the high importance that his administration has placed on the lives of his people,” it said.
A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, stated that under the Alia government, there have been significant improvements in medical infrastructure, medical care and improved welfare of medical workers.
It further said that all the improvements and developments, have positioned Benue as a state on the verge of becoming a hub for healthcare delivery.
Governor Alia had assured the people of the state of his administration’s determination, not just to build a resilient and people centred healthcare system, but that his government will continue to focus on all sectors in order to improve the wellbeing of the people, thereby making Benue a model for other states of the federation.
