Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, South-West Caucus, said its members may embark on strike if the unfavourable allowances introduced for doctors by the federal government is not withdrawn.
The caucus, which comprises Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo States, said this at a news conference in Osogbo yesterday.
The caucus chairman, Dr Adeshina Fasanu stated that the recent circular issued by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission, NSIWC, concerning doctors (increased) allowances, is not in tandem with economic realities.
Fasanu, who is also the Osun State NMA Chairman, said the national leadership of NMA had given the federal government 21 days ultimatum to withdraw the circular.
He said the South West caucus aligns with national leadership in demanding for: immediate correction of the inconsequential adjustment in alignment with the 2001, 2009 and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements, CBAs.
“Full payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, MRTF, and comprehensive review of the fund to reflect current economic realities,” he said
Ondo State NMA Chairman, Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge said the federal government did not consult them before announcing the allowances.
Alonge said this is the time that medical doctors need to be motivated, as there is serious shortage of doctors in the country, with a ratio of one doctor to 10,000 patients.
Speaking, the Ekiti State NMA Chairman, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi said 2,000 doctors leave the country yearly, adding that if their welfare is not given adequate attention, they would continue to leave the country for greener pasture.
On his part, the Ogun State NMA Chairman, Dr Luqman Ogunjimi said the circular would discourage doctors that are already overworked and underpaid, to want to remain and practice in the Nigerian health sector.
In his contribution, Oyo State NMA Chairman, Dr Happy Adedapo said government needs to be responsive to the plight of doctors, adding that the allowance being introduced was insignificant against the rising inflation in the country.
The caucus, among their 18 demands, also asked for the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement and implementation of the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.
They warned that if the federal government fails to attend to their demands, the caucus would convene an emergency meeting to advise their members appropriately in line with the national leadership of NMA.
