The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced plans to commence a nationwide strike starting Thursday, July 24, if the Federal Government fails to respond to its demands before the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum.
NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, made this known while addressing the press.
He emphasized that the association’s demands are not self-serving but essential for the survival of the country’s healthcare system and the well-being of medical professionals.
“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,” he stated.
Professor Audu criticized the circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which outlined revised allowances for medical and dental officers.
He explained that it introduced policies that had not been previously agreed upon by both parties and would negatively affect the remuneration and morale of health professionals.
“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 said.
He also detailed the efforts already made to engage government officials and avoid a total breakdown in healthcare delivery.
“The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof 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,” he said.
Audu further revealed that a scheduled follow-up meeting was cancelled in the wake of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, stalling further negotiations.
The NMA had initially issued its ultimatum on July 2, following its objection to the circular, which it described as a breach of earlier agreements concerning medical professionals’ allowances and working conditions in federal public service institutions.
