Press Release
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has received commendation from resident doctors for being the highest in payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and outstanding commitment to the welfare and professional development of resident doctors.
The National President of Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Muhammad Usman Suleiman, gave the commendation during an official visit to Anambra State, where he led a delegation including the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Dr. Joy Okwumuo, on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike.
Dr. Suleiman described Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as the first governor in the country to implement the revised salary structure for resident doctors following the Federal Government’s adjustment, and noted that Anambra is currently paying the highest Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) when compared to other state governments and the Federal Government.
According to him, the MRTF is critical to the specialist training of doctors, as it supports acquisition of knowledge and skills required to provide quality healthcare services and encourages doctors to remain committed to their training and service to patients.
The NARD President also lauded Governor Soludo’s massive investment in health infrastructure, particularly the Trauma Centre at COOUTH, Amaku, Awka, the on-going accreditation of departments at the teaching hospital, and the construction of the Universal Health Centre at the University of Medical Sciences.
He further commended the governor’s intervention in the recent assault on a medical doctor in the state, which led to apology and compensation for the affected doctor, describing the Anambra case as a reference point in NARD’s national advocacy for justice for healthcare workers.
Dr. Suleiman praised the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for his leadership and support for healthcare workers, which he said has strengthened industrial harmony and the development of the health sector.
He described Governor Soludo as a friend, father and mentor to resident doctors and expressed optimism that the cooperation between NARD and the Anambra State Government would continue to promote specialist training and quality healthcare delivery.
Law Mefor, PhD,
Commissioner for Information and
Value Reformation,
Anambra State.
September 17, 2026
