The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, on Friday expressed worry over the recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025, regarding the review of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers in the federal public service, saying the move will further debilitate the already fragile healthcare sector.
In a statement from Benin, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Edo State Branch, said the move will further debilitate the already fragile healthcare sector.
He lamented that the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission’s decision on the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service is unacceptable.
According to the medical expert, the decision demonstrates a stark insensitivity to the prevailing economic realities and flagrantly disregards the meticulously negotiated collective bargaining agreements.
Oseghale noted that it is disheartening that this decision comes at a time when retaining and motivating the scarce healthcare personnel in the country is an uphill task.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Medical Association, Edo State Branch, expresses its profound disappointment and disillusionment with the recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission on June 27, 2025, regarding the review of allowances for Medical and Dental Officers in the federal public service.
“This circular demonstrates a stark insensitivity to the prevailing economic realities and flagrantly disregards the meticulously negotiated collective bargaining agreements. Moreover, it will further debilitate the already fragile healthcare sector.
“It is particularly disheartening that this decision comes at a time when retaining and motivating the scarce healthcare personnel in the country is an uphill task.
“We unequivocally reject this circular and urge relevant stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene promptly to protect the interests of Nigeria’s patients, who undoubtedly deserve better.
“The Nigeria Medical Association, Edo State Branch, will align herself with the progressive position of the national body to protect medical practice and patients’ well-being in the country,” Oseghale said.
Recall that the national leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for immediate intervention by President Bola Tinubu, just as it handed over a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government to come up with a new circular that reflects previous agreements reached between the duo to avert disruption in health services.
