The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a final warning to the Federal Government, saying it may be forced to shut down medical services across the country if urgent demands are not met before its 21-day ultimatum expires on Tuesday, July 23.
NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, told journalists on Sunday, July 20, that the association was prepared to take “decisive action” if the government failed to act.
“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 said.
The crisis stems from a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which proposed revised allowances for medical and dental officers.
The NMA rejected the circular outright, claiming it violated existing agreements and undermined doctors’ welfare.
“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,” Prof Audu stated.
He added that while the NMA had been engaging with relevant authorities to avoid a strike, delays in addressing their concerns have pushed them closer to industrial action.
READ ALSO: MDCAN Joins NMA, Rejects New Doctors’ Allowance Structure
“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.
“The minister appreciated us, then he spoke about the issues as contained in the list of demands from the NMA.
“However, he felt that we should go for a further meeting, and another meeting was slated for last week, unfortunately, in the week, we lost the former President Muhammadu Buhari, so the meeting couldn’t be held.
“However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued a circular that we feel is obnoxious, and we have rejected it.
“We would also meet with the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health,” he explained.
He said unless these talks resume immediately, the association may have no option but to act.
“We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands.
“If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he added.