Cancer more rampant in South-South, NMA declares

By: Frank David
From: Effurun

The Delta State Chapter of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, says there is overwhelming evidence that incidence of Cancer is on the increase mostly in the south-south region of the country due to the high level of environmental degradation and pollution in the country.

This was revealed in a communiqué issued at the end of the Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference (AGM/AGC) of the Delta State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) held at the Wellington hotel, Effurun.

The theme of the Conference was; “Cancer- A Continuous Scourge”, and a sub-theme, “Group Medical Practice – Challenges and Prospects”.

The NMA also commended the Delta State Government under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for his free maternal health services, free treatment for the under five and the rural health scheme.

The Medical Association also commended Dr. Uduaghan for appointing Permanent Secretaries for the existing medical zones in the state, adding that they are pleased with the assurance of the state government represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara that “these health policies will be enacted into law before 2011”.
The Conference also appreciated the efforts of the Delta State Government for improving health care delivery services in the state, highlighting that Medical practitioners should be encouraged to form group practices for effective and quality health care delivery.

While acknowledging the effort of the state government at increasing the awareness of Cancer in the state by opening a Cancer Registry, the Conference, however, urged Governor Uduaghan to, as a matter of urgency, implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for all Doctors in the state and local government.

The Conference also expressed regret that NMA being a major stakeholder in the health sector in the state is not being carried along by the Uduaghan led administration in its health policies.