The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to maintain focus on the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process to address concerns in the health sector.
The association described the CBA as the “appropriate, lawful, and structured platform” for resolving issues related to remuneration, welfare, and industrial relations in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.
NMA National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Mannir Bature, made the statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to the association, the CBA framework provides a unique opportunity for sustainable solutions, with all relevant stakeholders adequately represented.
The NMA warned that fragmented interventions driven by pressure rather than due process would not achieve lasting industrial harmony in the health sector.
“What the health sector requires is comprehensive engagement, good-faith negotiations, respect for existing agreements, and adherence to clearly defined professional roles,” the association said.
The NMA also called on the government to rationalize the health workforce to prioritize efficiency, service delivery, and improved patient outcomes. It noted that many ancillary and support services outside core clinical functions could be more efficiently managed through structured outsourcing arrangements.
According to the association, outsourcing could reduce redundancy, optimist limited resources, improve value for money, and enhance the quality and responsiveness of healthcare delivery.
The NMA further urged greater policy attention to retaining and incentivising frontline clinical workers, particularly doctors and nurses who are responsible for direct patient care and clinical decision-making.
Meanwhile, the association clarified its position on recent statements by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) regarding the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
The NMA stated that there was no upgrade of CONMESS in 2014, contrary to claims by the labour unions. Instead, it said the action in 2014 was “a correction of a long-standing error and distortion” in the application of the CONMESS framework.
“By every objective, technical, and administrative definition, a correction of an anomaly does not amount to an upgrade,” the association said. It described attempts to portray the correction as preferential treatment as misleading and capable of fueling inter-professional discord.
The NMA expressed concern over public ultimatums on matters requiring verification, technical understanding, and institutional engagement. It urged labor unions to exercise caution in their public communications to avoid misinforming workers and the public.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, transparency, and inter-professional harmony in the interest of healthcare workers and Nigerians.
