Nasarawa Assures Medical Students Of Federal Salary Structure
As eye care experts converged on Abuja to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in delivering better services, the Nasarawa State Government has assured medical students of the same salary structure applicable to their counterparts in federal health institutions.
Governor Abdullahi Sule gave the assurance while speaking at the opening ceremony of the fifty-first Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, OSN, held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.
Deputy Governor’s Office Correspondent, Christopher Iyima, reports that the Deputy Governor represented Governor Sule at the event, as read from our studio.
The three-day Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, OSN, with the theme, “Re-imagining Eye Care in the Digital Era,” had Dr. Regina Morgan, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, and Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife, President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, setting the tone by affirming that its objectives include robust scientific sessions, industry presentations, exhibitions showcasing the latest technology, and improving the practice of eye care professionals, among others.
According to the duo, their goal is not only for ophthalmologists to become more digital, but also more innovative, accessible and compassionate in the way they provide quality eye care. They highlighted the need for professionals to embrace advances in technology in eye care while remaining guided by ethical principles at all times.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle Salako, while declaring the conference open, said it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government in the health sector.
He added that the Federal Government is investing in digital health infrastructure, supporting the rollout of digital health services and strengthening frameworks and data protection standards that allow technology to flow across public and private health institutions.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, described the scientific conference as timely, noting that his administration is partnering with the Federal Government and other health institutions to improve health systems and infrastructure.
He also appreciated the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria for carrying out five hundred cataract surgeries in Aso, Maraba, during its recent free medical outreach.
The Governor reiterated that work has commenced on the upgrade of the Specialist Hospital, Akwanga, to also serve as a trauma centre for the state.
He assured that all medical students would be placed on the same salary scale as federal medical personnel, just as he restated the government’s commitment to continue giving special attention to the health sector.
The scientific conference featured the induction of some participants into the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, presentation of awards to distinguished personalities, including Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle Salako, for their outstanding contributions to ophthalmic education in Nigeria, as well as a cultural presentation.
