The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State chapter, has solicited the state assembly’s support for the amendment and domestication of laws criminalizing suicide.
The NMA Chairman, Dr Azeem Ashimi, made the call on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Assembly at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Ashimi explained that people suffering from mental health issues are the ones contemplating suicide and should be treated as such, not thrown into jail.
He also harped on the need to address the shortage of manpower caused by migration and the implementation of an enhanced salary structure for medical practitioners.
Responding, the Speaker, Hon Elemide Oludaisi, urged the members to exercise patience and make continuous sacrifices irrespective of the shortage of manpower facing government hospitals.
Elemide assured that the state government is addressing the issues and challenges facing the health sector, commending the members who decided to stay back and practice their profession in Nigeria.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Medical Association for their dedication and hard work. They play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of our citizens, and we appreciate their tireless efforts,” he stated.
