Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs Bags NMA Roll Of Honours Award, Calls For Improved Doctors’ Welfare
Dr. (Mrs) Seinye, O. B. Lulu-Briggs’ compassionate service to humanity has continued to inspire and garner attention from different facets of society.
Like a goldfish that cannot hide, her outstanding humanitarian works could not miss the radar of the Rivers State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which conferred its Roll of Honours Award on her at its 63rd Annual General Meeting on Saturday, August 19.
The event at Anzy Event Center along Abacha Road, GRA, Port Harcourt, featured dignitaries from the medical community, government officials, and representatives from various healthcare organizations.
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, expressed profound gratitude to the association, reiterating her commitment to the welfare of the underserved in society.
“I am grateful for the recognition from an organization that represents the epitome of excellence in the medical field and a longstanding collaborator with the O.B. Lulu- Briggs Foundation”, said Dr Lulu-Briggs, who Valerie Young-Harry represented.
Acknowledging the role of medical volunteers at each of the 38 free medical missions carried out by the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs revealed that an average of 70 NMA members had offered their services in the mission.
She said: “We are indeed grateful to every one of your members who has been part of our efforts to promote health and well-being in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3 (To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages).”
Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, who described the NMA as a worthy partner since the launch of operations in September 2001, further disclosed that the Foundation has attended to over 144,000 people in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers State, adding that these could not have happened without the diligence and commitment of volunteer doctors and surgeons who are members of the NMA.
The renowned humanitarian lamented the poor working condition for doctors in the country and passionately advocated for their improved welfare.
Investing in the well-being of doctors, she said, is essential for maintaining high-quality healthcare services and ensuring the overall health of the nation.
“The poor remuneration of our medical doctors and other medical professionals is closely related to the massive brain drain we are witnessing in the sector. In my opinion, doctors are too precious for us not to prioritize their welfare, including improved conditions of service”, she said, assuring that collaboration with the NMA would be sustained.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Rivers State Chairman of NMA, Dr Ebii Robinson, praised Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs and the other awardees for their exceptional contributions. He also reechoed her call for improved welfare.
The event’s highlight was the induction of esteemed older medical professionals into the NMA Elders Forum.
According to NMA, the forum aims to harness the wisdom and experience of veteran medical practitioners, fostering mentorship and knowledge sharing among generations of doctors.
