Doctors threaten nationwide strike over unpaid allowances, others

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day notice of a total and indefinite strike nationwide over unpaid allowances and other unresolved labour disputes.

This was contained in a communique at the end of the emergency delegates meeting (EDM) of the Association held in Abuja.

The communique, which was jointly signed by Dr. Bala Audu, President, and Dr. Benjamin Egbo, Secretary General, indicated that the meeting was called at the instance of the National Officers Committee (NOC) of the Association in response to the recent circular by the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for Medical Doctors.

It noted that other concerns include the persistent delay by the Federal Government to pay accrued seven months arrears of the 25/35 percent arrears of the last CONMESS adjustment, the failure of the government to respect previously signed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), the seemingly neglect of the health sector by the government at all levels, as well as other demands as itemised by the association.

The communique indicated that the EDM expressed disappointment with the lingering negotiations with the Federal Government on matters affecting the welfare of all doctors in the country and also noted that the recent circular from the NSIWC was suspended and not withdrawn. It also noted that while Nigerians who are recipients of the services provided by members of the association are grappling with economic hardship, government officials are seeking medical care in foreign countries, thereby encouraging medical tourism. The association said they were optimistic that the government would be responsive enough to their concerns to avert the impending industrial disharmony in the health sector.

It mandated the NOC and the National Technical Negotiating Team (NTNT) to bring their experience to bear in all engagements with the government to deliver tangible results to the doctors.