The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that begin a nationwide strike if the government fails to meet its demands. The association president, Bala Adu, confirmed this Sunday as the 21-day ultimatum to the federal government nears its end.
Adu emphasises that the association demands are key to the survival of Nigeria’s health care system and its welfare across the country. According to him, NMA is ready to take decisive action if the government fails to respond effectively to its demands.
Earlier, the association issued an ultimatum protesting against the revised allowance structure for federal medical and dental officers in public service. Doctors opposed the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s circular, claiming it violated a prior agreement
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Also, the association branch in Katsina rejected the allowance circular of the commission, calling it a “grave disappointment”. The branch, in a statement, urges the government to fulfil all its demands and not undermine its allowances for medical personnel in the country.
In the president’s statement, the circular contains provisions that diminish the wages and welfare of medical professionals. He stated that the association expects new guidelines to be communicated across its members and not imposed on them.
He continued that the frequent meetings held with the federal government by the association are to neutralise a potential crisis. Adu noted that the association was expecting a report from the government stakeholders following the funeral ceremonies of the late former president.
He adds that a nationwide strike is inevitable if the federal government fails to prioritise the current situation.
