🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Federal Government directs medical directors to prevent strikes and prioritize patient care
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal Government has instructed newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres to prioritize patient care and prevent industrial disputes that could disrupt healthcare services. This directive was issued by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, during the presentation of appointment letters to six medical directors in Abuja. Salako emphasized the importance of maintaining peace within hospitals for effective service delivery, urging the new appointees to engage consistently with health workers and unions through an open-door policy and prompt dialogue. He also issued a strong warning against denying patients access to care, stating that such situations would not be accepted. The minister disclosed that a task force on clinical governance and patient safety had been established and directed medical directors to replicate similar systems in their hospitals to improve accountability and patient feedback. Regarding staffing challenges, he encouraged them to utilize the Federal Government’s fast-track waiver system for recruitment. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr Kamil Shoretire, noted that despite increased government spending, gaps still exist in the health sector, calling for improved performance and commitment to Nigerians' well-being. Dr Evinly A. Nzeribe of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, speaking for the new appointees, pledged to improve healthcare delivery, while Dr Adamu Ab
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
England and France will compete in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday. This match holds significance beyond the bronze medal, including the Golden Boot race and marking the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as France coach. The game at Miami Stadium will be their first encounter since France's 2-1 victory in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. Both teams experienced semi-final defeats, with France losing 2-0 to Spain and England falling 2-1 to Argentina. Kylian Mbappé of France and Lionel Messi are tied with eight goals each in the Golden Boot race, while England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six goals apiece. France will be without defender William Saliba due to injury, with Maxence Lacroix expected to start. Theo Hernández will replace Lucas Digne at left-back, and Warren Zaïre-Emery and Rayan Cherki are anticipated to join the starting lineup. England faces injury concerns with Reece James and Jordan Henderson unavailable. Jude Bellingham's availability is uncertain pending a FIFA disciplinary decision, while Morgan Rogers and Kobbie Mainoo could make their first appearances. This will be Deschamps' final game as coach, having led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final. A win would secure England's best-ever third-place finish, while France aims to maintain a perfect record in bronze-medal matches.
Must ReadArgentina head coach Lionel Scaloni described Lionel Messi as "pure history" and "a legend" during the FIFA Fanatics event in New York City. Scaloni urged fans to appreciate Messi, who is 39, as he prepares for what could be his final FIFA World Cup appearance. He compared Messi's ongoing presence to the late Diego Maradona, emphasizing Messi's historical significance. Argentina is set to face Spain in the World Cup final, aiming to defend their title. Scaloni acknowledged Spain as a formidable opponent, praising their disciplined play and expressing concern about their strength. He dismissed the idea that Argentina's previous World Cup final experience would give them an advantage, noting Spain's own experience in major finals. Scaloni highlighted that Argentina's success stems from their upbringing, focusing on playing football without succumbing to external pressure. Messi echoed these sentiments, stating that his childhood experiences of playing with passion and learning from losses shaped his mentality as a player and person.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi expressed his astonishment at facing Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal in the upcoming FIFA World Cup final, recalling an old photograph where he held Yamal as a baby. Messi, speaking ahead of the final, called the situation "incredible" and "crazy." He acknowledged Yamal's rapid ascent, describing the Barcelona youngster as one of the world's finest players despite his age, and wished him luck for his career, though hoping he would not perform at his best in the final. The famous photograph was taken by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort for a charity calendar organized by Sportnewspaper and UNICEF at Barcelona's Camp Nou. Monfort noted the image has gained renewed global attention ahead of the final. Messi enters the final in strong form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists, aiming for his third World Cup final appearance. The match also marks the first competitive meeting between the two continental champions after a planned Finalissima between Spain and Argentina was canceled earlier this year due to conflict in the Middle East.