National Health Crisis Looms: Doctors To Down Tools In Major Strike Action!

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, declaring its readiness to commence a nationwide strike beginning Thursday if its demands are not met.

The warning comes as the 21-day ultimatum earlier given by the association nears its expiration on July 23. The NMA had initially issued the ultimatum on July 2, in protest of a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which announced revised allowances for medical and dental professionals in federal public service.

According to iReporter Online, the association has firmly demanded the withdrawal of the circular and the fulfillment of its other conditions, stressing that failure to comply would result in a crippling industrial action.

According to iReporter Online, the NMA believes the circular undermines both the welfare and remuneration of medical professionals.

NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, reiterated on Sunday that the association is poised to take decisive action if the government does not act swiftly. “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 said.

Prof. Audu also emphasized that any new directive impacting medical professionals should arise from mutual consultations, not unilateral decisions. He described the circular in question as “obnoxious” and “outrightly rejected” by the association.

He explained that a prior meeting was held with high-ranking officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, Minister of State for Health Dr. Iziaq Salako, and other stakeholders. The meeting reportedly ended with an agreement to reconvene; however, the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari disrupted the schedule, according to iReporter Online.

“We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday,” Audu said. “Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands. If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable.”

The NMA has made it clear that the upcoming meeting with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health could be the last chance to avert a full-scale shutdown of medical services across the country.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”