The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared its intention to halt medical services across the country starting Thursday, July 24, if the Federal Government fails to address its demands.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, affirmed the association’s readiness to proceed with the planned strike as their 21-day ultimatum to the government concludes on July 23.
Prof. Audu stressed that the NMA’s demands are not for personal gain but are crucial for the “survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals.”
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“We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” he warned.
Audu explained that a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, issued on July 2, contained provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and undermined medical professionals’ remuneration and welfare.
He stated that the NMA “rejected that circular outright,” expecting any new directive to be a result of mutual consultation, not an imposition.
He recalled a meeting two weeks prior attended by key government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary; the Director of Hospital Services; and a representative of the Minister of Labour, alongside NMA affiliates.
However, a subsequent meeting scheduled for last week was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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