The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State Branch, on Thursday kicked against the move by the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to review the allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
According to the medical association, the circular recently issued by NSIWC calls for concern, stressing that the ‘obnoxious’ circular is ill-timed, given the severe shortage of health workers due to the ongoing ‘Japa’ syndrome among medical professionals.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Akure, the state capital, the NMA in the state expressed solidarity with the National Officers Committee (NOC) of the Nigerian Medical Association as well as support for the demands presented to the Federal Government.
With the communiqué signed by the state chairman, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa, and the secretary, Dr. Olaopa Olutobi Gideon, the doctors demanded immediate withdrawal of the circular as well as the review of the minimum wage to include at least a 300 percent pay increase for all medical and dental practitioners.
While warning that if the federal government refuses to address the medical body’s demands, Ondo NMA revealed that it would join the national body in initiating a total shutdown of medical services as a last resort.
The association, which urged senior medical professionals to speak out in defence of the profession, stressing that their voices would amplify the struggle, directed its members in the state to be on standby for further directives on potential industrial action.
The communiqué read, “The recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) concerning the review of allowances for medical and dental officers in the Federal Public Service has raised significant concerns within the healthcare community.
“This obnoxious circular is coming against the background of a perennial shortage of human resources for health in the various facets and at all levels of healthcare in the face of the JAPA syndrome, with its attendant work overload experienced by doctors and other health workers who chose to stay behind to serve our people. Other problems include, but are not limited to, very poor remuneration of doctors, poor conditions of service, and a backlog of owed arrears.
“In light of our careful examination of this development and its implications for the already challenged healthcare system in our nation, the Ondo State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association wishes to express its very strong disapproval of this circular.
“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.
“An immediate review of the consequential adjustments in line with the agreements made in the 2001, 2009, and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). 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.”
