The Nigerian Medical Association-NMA is set to go on a nationwide strike from Thursday, 24th July, if the government fails to meet its demands.
NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, who made this known said the 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government draws to a close on July 23.
Professor Audu maintained that the association’s demands were not for personal gains but critical to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals across the country.
According to him, a circular was issued that contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.
He added that the body had engaged the Federal Government to avert crisis in the sector.
‘The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of Minister of labour were at the meeting, and some affiliate of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well,’ Professor Audu said.
It could be recalled that the NMA had, on July 2, issued an ultimatum in protest against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, which the doctors kicked against for violating prior agreements.
