Key Takeaways
- NARD publicly commended Governor Uba Sani for prioritizing resident doctors' welfare and advancing healthcare delivery in Kaduna State.
- The commendation came in a communiqué from the association's July 2026 NEC meeting in Gombe State.
- Kaduna upgraded all 255 primary healthcare centres to Level 2 status and expanded maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.
- Governors of Osun, Oyo, Rivers, and Plateau were also lauded for their healthcare investments.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has voiced strong approval of Governor Uba Sani's administration for prioritising medical professionals' welfare and transforming healthcare across Kaduna State. The official commendation was issued through a communiqué at the association's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held from July 26 to 31, 2026, at the Gombe International Hotel.
According to the doctors, Governor Sani has shown genuine commitment to improving resident doctors' conditions through better remuneration, upgraded infrastructure, manpower development, and enhanced working environments. The communiqué further emphasised that these actions have produced meaningful improvements in overall health service delivery for residents.
A Comprehensive Healthcare Upgrade
NARD acknowledged the renovation, equipping, and upgrading of all 255 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Kaduna to Level 2 status. This expanded access to maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent healthcare services while strengthening routine immunisation and disease surveillance. The government is also revitalising secondary healthcare, with general hospitals undergoing renewal, modern equipment procurement, and improved diagnostic capacity.
Investment in Health Workers
The governor prioritised recruiting healthcare professionals across various cadres, strengthening workforce planning, supporting continuous professional development, and investing in capacity building. The communiqué specifically praised the sustained implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). Regular funding of the Medical Residency Training Fund was also noted as a key step toward developing next-generation specialist physicians.
National Recognition
While Kaduna took the spotlight, NARD also commended the governors of Osun, Oyo, Rivers, and Plateau States for prioritising members' welfare through better remuneration, infrastructure, manpower development, and working conditions. This rare cross-party recognition highlights a growing consensus that investing in healthcare workers is essential for public health.
Why This Matters
The endorsement from NARD signals that structured investment in healthcare workers yields tangible appreciation and public trust. As Nigeria faces brain drain and resource constraints, Kaduna's holistic approach offers a practical blueprint for retaining talent, upgrading facilities, and ultimately saving more lives.