Medical services across Nigeria may face a total shutdown by Thursday as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to begin a nationwide strike if the federal government fails to meet its demands before the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum.
The association, which represents doctors nationwide, issued the warning over unresolved issues surrounding remuneration and welfare.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, stated that the association would be left with no option but to withdraw services if its demands are not met by July 23.
He specifically condemned a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, describing it as a violation of previously agreed terms concerning allowances for medical and dental officers.
“We have rejected that circular outright,” Audu declared. “We expect that any new directive affecting our members should result from mutual consultation, not unilateral imposition.”
He emphasized that the unresolved issues are critical to the survival of the already strained healthcare system in Nigeria and require urgent government attention.
Audu further disclosed that although the NMA has held meetings with senior government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, no meaningful resolution has been reached.
He warned that the government’s continued delay could plunge the country’s health sector into crisis if immediate steps are not taken to avert the looming strike.
“The last meeting held two weeks ago included all relevant stakeholders—the Health Ministers, Permanent Secretary, Director of Hospital Services, and a representative from the Ministry of Labour,” he said.
“We were meant to reconvene last week, but the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari disrupted the schedule.”
Audu explained that the next meeting is expected to involve the Ministry of Finance and the Salaries and Wages Commission whose circular triggered the protest, as well as officials from the Ministry of Health.
With the July 23 deadline fast approaching, the NMA has urged the Federal Government to take the matter seriously and act swiftly to prevent avoidable disruptions to healthcare services across the country.
“We are running out of time. If we don’t meet within the next few days and resolve these critical issues, industrial action may be inevitable,” Audu warned.
He added that doctors are not eager to abandon their posts, but would not allow government policies to undermine their welfare and the quality of healthcare delivery in the country.
The NMA had on July 2 given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to withdraw the disputed circular and address other pressing demands, failing which it would initiate a nationwide strike.
WARNING: If You Are Not 18+, Don’t Click The Link Below 👇🫣
https://abnormalitylovingmammal.com/kx6iepv2qm?key=6c14bd1d68e1eba721851f19778f5efe
https://poawooptugroo.com/4/8902554
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.
Never Miss A Single News Or Gist, Kindly Join Us On WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vad8g81Eawdsio6INn3B
Telegram Channel:
https://t.me/gistsmateNG
