The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has lauded Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his exemplary commitment to the welfare of doctors and the advancement of healthcare delivery in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, NARD National President, Dr. Tope Osundara, described Governor Oborevwori as “a man of honour” and commended him for being the first governor in Nigeria to fully pay the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for resident doctors.
Dr. Osundara, who presented an Award of Excellence to the governor on behalf of the association, said the MRTF payment was a landmark step that would significantly enhance medical training and improve healthcare delivery for the public.
“The essence of this MRTF is to equip resident doctors with the knowledge and resources needed to excel in their examinations and training. When they return, they come back with quality, and the people benefit from quality healthcare. Many states are still grappling with how to pay, but Delta has already done it,” he said.
The NARD leader also commended the state government for paying acculturation allowances, granting tax rebates to doctors, and investing in critical medical infrastructure, including four CT scanners and an MRI in each senatorial district.
“Lagos with all its glory has not done up to what I have seen and heard about in Delta. For a state-owned hospital to have these equipment, Your Excellency, you deserve to be praised,” Osundara maintained.
He further applauded Governor Oborevwori’s administration for improving hospital, access roads through Julius Berger.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori welcomed the delegation, describing their visit as timely given NARD’s recent strike warning. He emphasized that Delta had done the needful and should be exempted from any industrial action.
“My administration is among the first three states in the country to fully pay medical residents. We are also the first to pay all resident doctors irrespective of their place of assignment. We have held up our part of the bargain, and I believe Delta should be exempted from the warning strike,” the governor said.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s cordial relationship with doctors, noting that every request from the Ministry of Health that reached his desk had been approved.
He assured the doctors that the government was addressing the accommodation challenge at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, stressing that funding was not the problem but contractor compliance.
The governor expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigerian doctors, saying that with the right equipment, they could perform better in Nigeria than seeking menial jobs abroad.
“Our doctors are world-class. What they need are modern tools. If we provide the necessary equipment, they will excel here instead of leaving to work as medical assistants overseas,” he added.
