The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna State Branch, Dr Aisha Mustapha, has called for unity and renewed commitment to members’ welfare.
Mustapha made the call during the formal handover ceremony at the new NMA Kaduna State Secretariat, where she assumed office alongside other members of the newly elected State Officers Committee (SOC).
She is the first woman to lead the association in the state.
She said the election was over and that the new administration was now focused on providing purposeful leadership and strengthening the association.
‘Elections are over; now is the time to work,’ Mustapha said, urging members to forgive one another, embrace each other and work collectively for the advancement of NMA Kaduna.
She said the strength of the association depended on unity and collective commitment rather than individual interests or divisions.
Mustapha also assured members that she would remain open to corrections, guidance and constructive criticism, but urged them to channel their concerns through appropriate avenues.
She cautioned against backbiting, slander and other actions capable of creating divisions within the association, saying constructive criticism should be used to improve leadership and strengthen the organisation.
The chairman said her administration would prioritise members’ welfare, effective communication, institutional development, professional advocacy and strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders.
The new SOC unveiled a 12-point agenda, including the commencement of internet banking, reactivation of the association’s social media platforms and expansion of media engagement across Kaduna State.
Other priorities include engagement with public and private health institutions, diversification of revenue sources, early budgeting and strategic planning, effective representation at the national level and stronger collaboration with government and other stakeholders.
The administration also plans to commercialise and increase the visibility of its Emergency Treatment Guidelines by obtaining an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), while improving the welfare of NMA administrative staff.
It further pledged to double the award for the best graduating medical student and upgrade the association’s secretariat with running water, security, landscaping, cooling systems and Wi-Fi services.
The handover marked the transition from the administration of the outgoing chairman, Dr Hassan Bala Salihu, who highlighted achievements and challenges recorded during his tenure.
Salihu urged the new leadership to consolidate the gains of his administration, address outstanding challenges and remain focused on the collective interests of members.
The event ended with Mustapha leading members of the new SOC on a visit to an NMA member hospitalised following an illness.
The new administration wished the member a speedy recovery and urged colleagues to continue supporting one another in the spirit of professional solidarity.