The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to shut down medical services across the country from Thursday, July 23, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands before the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, confirmed the planned action in an interview on Sunday, stressing that the association is ready to take firm steps to safeguard the welfare of its members and the integrity of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The association had issued the ultimatum on July 2 in protest against a circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in federal service. The doctors argue that the circular violates existing agreements and undermines the conditions of service for healthcare workers.
“We have been very clear about our position. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the government does not respond to our demands, a nationwide strike may become inevitable,” Prof. Audu warned.
He described the NSIWC circular as unacceptable, stating that new directives affecting medical personnel must be the result of proper dialogue, not unilateral decisions.
Prof. Audu said the association had engaged government representatives to avert the crisis. “Two weeks ago, we met with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, and other key officials. Unfortunately, another meeting planned for last week was postponed due to the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari,” he noted.
The NMA president emphasised that a critical meeting with the NSIWC, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health is necessary this week to avoid a breakdown of services. “We hope the government will act swiftly. Otherwise, we may have no choice but to proceed with industrial action,” he said.
In Katsina State, the NMA branch expressed strong opposition to the NSIWC directive. In a communique issued after its State Executive Council meeting on Saturday, the branch condemned the circular and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The communique, signed by the state chairman, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, and secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu, warned that healthcare services could be disrupted if the Federal Government fails to address the doctors’ grievances.
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