The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka has called on medical practitioners in the State to be guided by the oath of saving lives that they swore to, no matter what the situation is speaking, especially when there are agitations to contend with.

The Head of Service made the call when the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State Branch, led by its newly elected Chairman, Dr. Sunday Enimola, paid a familiarisation visit to the Office of the Head of Service in Abeokuta.

According to him, the NMA, like any other association has a right to advocate for the interests and welfare of its members but such advocacy should always be pursued through lawful, humane and constructive means, without actions that could endanger the lives of members of the public, especially causing death.

"Guard against allowing emotions or personal interests to interfere with the ethics and oath of the medical profession. As life savers, be guided in your unionism, do not let your actions lead to people's death. Don't neglect the patients while fighting for your legitimate rights", the HoS advised.

He appreciated the NMA delegation for the visit and congratulated the newly elected Executive Members with a charge to them to build on the experiences of previous administrations and maintain constructive engagements with government and other relevant stakeholders.

"Maintain close consultations with experienced leaders and elders within the profession, especially your immediate past Chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, as dialogue and experience had helped resolve challenges in the past", he said.

Mr. Saka said notable achievements of the present administration is hinged on the leadership style of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whom he described as worker-friendly and attentive to the needs of the public service and called for greater collaboration between doctors and other healthcare professionals, while NMA should continue to provide responsible leadership within the health sector.

Earlier in his submission, the Chairman, Dr. Sunday Enimola commended the Ogun State Government for its role in the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) initiative and  noted that the State’s achievement in the regard received recognition as the first amongst others at the recently concluded NMA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

He reaffirmed the Association's commitment to constructive engagements with the government and sought for stronger collaboration as well as sustained support towards improving the welfare of the practitioners.

Dr. Enimola solicited the support of the Head of Service towards the activities of the Association, particularly the forthcoming NMA Physician Week, as well as other programmes and initiatives planned by the Ogun State Branch.