The Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared its opposition to a recent move by the Federal Government to review allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.

In a communiqué issued following an emergency meeting held in Akure, the state capital, the association said the proposed review poses a serious threat to the morale and welfare of doctors across the country. The statement, made available to journalists on Thursday, was jointly signed by the NMA state chairman, Dr Alonge Olumuyiwa, and secretary, Dr Olaopa Gideon.

According to the NMA, the circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has raised “significant concerns within the healthcare community,” particularly given the current shortage of health professionals due to the increasing rate of migration by Nigerian doctors, commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome.”

The communiqué stated, “This circular is coming at a time when the healthcare system is already overstretched. The few doctors and health workers who remain in the country are burdened with heavy workloads, and are still dealing with issues such as poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, and unpaid arrears.”

The association said it had reviewed the circular in detail and found it “unacceptable,” urging the Federal Government to immediately withdraw it. It also expressed full support for the demands of the national leadership of the NMA, including a 300 per cent salary increase for all medical and dental practitioners.

The Ondo NMA called for a broad application of salary adjustments across all sectors employing medical personnel, including private institutions, state MDAs, universities, and for house officers.

It also demanded that the government honour the terms of previous collective bargaining agreements signed in 2001, 2009, and 2014, particularly those concerning call duty allowances and the relativity between the CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures.

“We, therefore, urge that these important requests be addressed promptly. The universal applicability of salary adjustments and allowances for medical and dental practitioners across all state MDAs, the private sector, universities, and house officers,” the statement read. “An immediate review of the consequential adjustments in line with the agreements made in the 2001, 2009, and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Correct the relativity agreement between CONMESS and CONHESS, ensuring compliance with the 2001 CBA, particularly regarding call duty allowances and payment of all accrued backlogs.”

The association also appealed to senior medical professionals across the country to publicly support the demands, stating that their voices would help strengthen the advocacy.

The NMA urged its members in Ondo State to remain alert for further instructions regarding possible industrial action if the Federal Government fails to respond adequately.