Doctors to FG: Meet our demands in 21 Days or face shutdown

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has put a temporary hold on its proposed nationwide strike, granting the Federal Government a final 21-day ultimatum to address its unresolved demands.

This move comes after the expiration of an initial ultimatum issued on July 2, in which the association warned of a total shutdown of medical services if their grievances were not resolved by July 23.

NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, described the association’s demands as essential for the survival of the country’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals.

Among the issues raised was a government circular on adjustments to allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, which the NMA strongly opposed.

Their demands include the provision of comprehensive health insurance for medical and dental professionals, immediate inauguration of management boards for federal hospitals, a revision of doctors’ retirement age, improved welfare packages, and the reversal of the appointment of non-medical professionals as hospital consultants.

Meetings were recently held in Abuja involving the NMA and top government officials from various ministries and agencies, which led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The government reportedly pledged to reverse the controversial circular.

However, NMA National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Mannir Bature, disclosed that an emergency delegates meeting held on Saturday saw most members rejecting the MoU, calling the implementation timelines unrealistic.

While some members demanded immediate industrial action, appeals from stakeholders and renewed government promises led to the decision to grant a final 21-day grace period.

Bature stressed that the association would proceed with strike action if there’s no significant progress by the end of the 21-day period, which began on Saturday, July 26.

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He made it clear that the grace period was not an extension but the association’s final warning.