The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commended the Anambra State Government for what it described as the highest payment of Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) by any state government or the Federal Government.

NARD National President, Dr Muhammad Usman Suleiman, gave the commendation during a visit to Anambra, where he led a delegation, including the President of the Association of Resident Doctors at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Dr Joy Okwumuo, to meet the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike.

Suleiman said Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was also the first governor in the country to implement the revised salary structure for resident doctors following the Federal Government’s adjustment of their remuneration.

He explained that the residency training fund was important to specialist medical training because it enables doctors to acquire the knowledge and skills required for effective patient care while supporting their continued professional development.

The NARD president also highlighted the state government’s investments in healthcare infrastructure, citing the Trauma Centre at COOUTH, Amaku, Awka, the ongoing accreditation of departments at the teaching hospital and the construction of the Universal Health Centre at the University of Medical Sciences.

Suleiman further commended the state government’s response to the recent assault on a medical doctor in Anambra, which resulted in an apology and compensation for the affected doctor. He said the development had become a reference point in NARD’s national advocacy for justice and protection of healthcare workers.

He also praised the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, for his support for medical personnel and his role in promoting industrial harmony within the state’s health sector.

Suleiman described Soludo as a “friend, father and mentor” to resident doctors and expressed confidence that the relationship between NARD and the Anambra State Government would continue to support specialist training and healthcare delivery.