By Nkechi Eze
The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, has urged the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to move beyond planning to measurable, implementation-driven action in order to reposition the Association as a catalyst for national health sector transformation.
In an official signed statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations Department, Dewan Goshit, Dr. Kana was quoted as making the call while delivering the keynote address at the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Annual Lecture Series and the launch of the NMA 5-Year Strategic Plan, themed “From Strategy to Impact: Repositioning the Nigerian Medical Association as Catalyst for Health Sector Transformation,” held in Abuja.
Dr. Kana congratulated the President of the NMA, Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, and his leadership team for successfully producing what he described as an epoch-making Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, noting that the unveiling is timely, particularly in the face of the growing migration of healthcare professionals, popularly referred to as the “Japa syndrome,” which continues to pose significant threats to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
He stressed that transformation of the healthcare system must be clearly measurable by 2030 through improved mortality indices, better doctor retention, expanded health insurance coverage and enhanced quality of life for Nigerians. He also called for stronger internal reforms within the NMA, including transparent governance, deployment of digital engagement platforms, broader member participation and sustained mentorship of younger professionals.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, congratulated the President of the Nigerian Medical Association and members of the Executive Council for what he described as a profound and forward-looking initiative in developing the NMA Strategic Plan 2026–2030. He noted that the Association’s decision to design a clear roadmap ahead of future global engagements demonstrates foresight and responsibility.
In his welcome address, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, said the NMA 5-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030) is more than just a roadmap, describing it as a clear statement of intent grounded in extensive consultation, lessons from past experiences and a realistic assessment of the current challenges facing Nigerian doctors and their families.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards of Recognition by the leadership of the NMA to two Permanent Secretaries in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Association.
The programme also featured a panel discussion session by erudite panelists in the medical field and the formal launching of the NMA 5-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030), underscoring the Association’s resolve to translate strategic vision into concrete action for the advancement of Nigeria’s health sector.
