By Terna Chikpa
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Taraba State Branch, has elected Dr. Bitrus-Atizwen Daniel as its new chairman, pledging to strengthen members’ welfare, deepen engagement with the government, and advocate improved healthcare delivery across the state.
Daniel emerged as chairman during the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Jalingo on Saturday, succeeding Dr. Adamu Hamidu Kara, whose tenure has ended.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the association’s newly elected Public Relations Officer, Dr. Bright Ekhibise, and made available to journalists in Jalingo.
In his acceptance speech, Daniel described his election as a call to greater service, assuring members that his administration would be guided by integrity, transparency, and accountability.
“I accept this responsibility with deep humility and a profound sense of duty. I pledge to lead this association with integrity, transparency, and accountability, always placing the welfare of our members and the advancement of healthcare in Taraba State at the forefront of our efforts,” he said.
The new chairman commended members for the peaceful conduct of the election and praised other contestants for demonstrating commitment to the association, noting that the exercise had further strengthened the NMA.
“This election has produced no losers. We have all emerged stronger because our shared commitment to the growth and unity of the Nigeria Medical Association remains our greatest victory,” he added.
Daniel acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing executive, promising to build on its achievements while addressing the challenges confronting the medical profession in the state.
He identified the shortage of medical personnel, the increasing workload on doctors, brain drain, inadequate health infrastructure, insecurity, and rising public expectations as critical issues requiring urgent attention.
“The increasing workload on doctors, the shortage of medical personnel, brain drain, inadequate health infrastructure, and security challenges demand purposeful, courageous, and inclusive leadership. We will engage constructively with the government and all relevant stakeholders to address these issues,” he said.
He further pledged to improve members’ welfare, promote continuous professional development, sustain cordial relations with the government and other stakeholders, and ensure that the voices of medical practitioners remain prominent on issues affecting healthcare and public health.
Other officials elected into the new executive are Dr. Mathias Zakka, Vice Chairman; Dr. Divine Yakong Njadze, Secretary; Dr. Caleb Agada, Assistant Secretary; Dr. Blessing John, Financial Secretary; Dr. Miriam Joshua Aliyu, Treasurer; Dr. Bright Ekhibise, Public Relations Officer; and Dr. Falilat Bala Suntai, Auditor.
Speaking at the event, the immediate past chairman, Dr. Adamu Hamidu Kara, said his administration faced enormous financial constraints, relying largely on members’ dues and occasional borrowing to sustain the association’s activities.
Despite the challenges, he said the executive renovated the association’s secretariat, strengthened advocacy for members’ welfare and professional practice, and provided support to members during bereavement, illness, and other difficult circumstances.
Kara urged the new leadership to sustain the momentum, noting that poor working conditions, manpower shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient funding remained major concerns affecting healthcare delivery in the state.
“The challenges of poor working conditions, manpower shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and sustainable funding cannot be solved by one administration alone. I urge every member to support the new leadership for the benefit of our profession and the people we serve,” he said.
He also disclosed in his stewardship report that the association experienced fluctuations in membership during his tenure as a result of brain drain, poor remuneration, and unfavourable working conditions, factors he said also affected the regular payment of members’ dues.
