Doctors warn they may begin strike if government fails to meet demands by Tuesday.
NMA says changes to allowances hurt doctors and threaten the future of healthcare nationwide.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that it may shut down medical services across the country if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by Tuesday, July 23.
This was made known by the NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, during an exclusive interview on Sunday. He said the association is ready to take firm action if the government does not respond appropriately to their concerns.
According to Prof Audu, the demands are crucial for the survival of the country’s healthcare system and the well-being of doctors nationwide. The association had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum on July 2, following a circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The circular outlined changes to the allowances of medical and dental officers in federal service, which the NMA described as a breach of earlier agreements.
“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” Prof Audu stated.
He explained that the circular contained terms that were never agreed upon and could negatively affect the earnings and welfare of doctors.
“We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he added.
Prof Audu said that the association had held meetings with top government officials to prevent the crisis. The last of such meetings took place two weeks ago, involving the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako; and other key officials, including himself.
He noted that the meeting addressed some of their demands, and another round of talks was planned for last week. However, the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari led to a delay in the meeting.
“However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued a circular that we feel is obnoxious, and we have rejected it. We would also meet with the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health,” he explained.
With time running out, Prof Audu said the association hopes the government will reconvene with them soon. “We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands. If the government fails to prioritize this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State chapter of the NMA echoed the national body’s concerns. In a statement issued after its executive council meeting on Saturday, the branch voiced strong opposition to the circular.
The communiqué, signed by the state chairman, Dr Muhammadu Sani, and secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu, described the circular as unacceptable and called for its immediate withdrawal, along with full attention to all of the NMA’s demands.
They warned that if no action is taken, medical services may be disrupted.
