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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has threatened to embark on nationwide strike beginning from 31st of January, 2024, if Federal Government fail to implement the revised CONMESS and other allowances being owed the doctors with arrears from June 2023.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued by the Association at the end of their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
The communique which was signed by NMA President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, informed the Federal Government that it will not be responsible for breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector if they fail to meet their demands by the end of January 31st, 2024.
It reiterated the need for Governments at all levels to, as a matter of urgency, provide better working environment for the practice of Medicine/Dentistry in Nigeria, and in addition to that, pay better and competitive remuneration that would discourage the doctors from seeking better opportunities abroad.
The Association, thus demanded that government show better political commitment to health and prioritize healthcare provision in their scale of preference, provide robust access to social amenities and upgrade decaying utilities.
Additionally, it demanded a rejig of national security architecture for the safety of all citizens, and provision of increased gainful employment opportunities for doctors.
The Association appealed to Federal Government to take urgent action to mitigate the impact of exodus of some pharmaceutical companies by creating a friendly business environment, and also investing in the domestic pharmaceutical industry.
The Association thus called on the Federal Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the one per cent Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF)A, increase budgetary allocation to the health sector to at least 15 per cent in line with Abuja Declaration of 2001, and explore other innovative funding options for the health sector.
