Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has lauded the voluntary resignation of Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammed Pate, over his appointment as a Professor in Duke University’s Global Health Institute, USA, and as Senior Adviser to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation based in Washington DC.
The association has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint a fit, proper, competent and capable replacement of the ilk of Dr. Pate as the next Minister of State for Health.
A statement by the President of the association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said: “While NMA rejoices with him over this appointment, NMA is, however, pained that this came at a time when Nigeria’s health sector is already beginning to show signs of progress from his purposeful leadership and that of the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.”
The statement added that NMA was consoled by the fact that Pate excellently epitomised the leadership attributes and qualities of medical practitioners by exhibiting commendable altruistic and selfless leadership, integrity, clarity of purpose, knowledge, capacity and competence in the execution of his responsibilities as Minister of State for Health.
It said: “The Association wishes Dr Mohammed Pate success in his new appointment and calls on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to appoint a fit, proper, competent and capable replacement of the ilk of Dr. Mohammed Pate.
“Not one below his level of training and expertise, experience, administrative competence and far-reaching practical understanding of the structure and workings of the Nigerian Health sector as the new Minister of State for Health to compliment the on-going efforts at actualising the transformation agenda of Mr. President in the health sector.”