The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that it will shut down medical services across the country if the Federal Government fails to address its demands before the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum on Tuesday, July 23.
The NMA’s president, Professor Bala Audu, gave the warning in an exclusive interview on Sunday, stating that the association was prepared to take decisive action if the government failed to act.
Prof. Audu said the NMA’s demands were critical to the sustainability of Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system and the welfare of its 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 warned.
The NMA had, on July 2, issued the ultimatum in response to a circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) regarding revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The association rejected the circular, describing it as a violation of previous agreements and lacking in proper consultation.
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“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,” Audu stated.
He added that the circular contained provisions that undermined the welfare and remuneration of medical practitioners, prompting the NMA to demand its immediate withdrawal alongside the fulfillment of other outstanding issues.
The NMA president disclosed that the association had engaged the federal government in dialogue to prevent a crisis. A recent meeting attended by top health officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and other stakeholders, discussed the association’s concerns.
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“Another meeting was scheduled for last week, but it was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday,” he said.
However, Prof. Audu expressed concern over the limited time left, stating that failure to reconvene and resolve the issues would leave the association with no choice but to embark on industrial action. “If the government fails to prioritize this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he cautioned.
With the deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on the federal government to act swiftly to prevent a potential nationwide healthcare services shutdown.