Members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State have commenced an indefinite industrial action over unresolved issues concerning their allowances and pay disparity between federal and state medical workers. The strike, which began on Tuesday, is a response to the state government’s failure to address the long-standing salary discrepancies.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state, Kunle Ashimi, emphasized that the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) should be implemented to prevent the continuous exodus of medical professionals from the state.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to reach an agreement with the state government. The government continues to plead that the issues of minimum wage and other related matters are common, but my people believe that we need to address the issues on the ground,” he stated.
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Ashimi lamented the significant loss of medical personnel due to the pay disparity. “The state is losing a lot of doctors daily because of the pay disparity. If the reviewed CONMESS is paid, it will encourage the doctors to stay,” he said.
The NMA has been vocal about the need for fair compensation to retain skilled medical practitioners and ensure the provision of quality healthcare services.
The striking doctors are also demanding better working conditions, which they argue are crucial for maintaining high standards of patient care and professional satisfaction.
They assert that without adequate compensation and improved working conditions, the healthcare sector in Ogun State will continue to suffer, with adverse effects on patient care and public health outcomes.
In response, the state government has acknowledged the concerns raised by the doctors but has cited financial constraints as a major impediment to meeting their demands. However, the NMA insists that addressing the pay disparity is a matter of urgency that cannot be postponed.
The strike action has already begun to impact healthcare delivery in the state, with many patients facing disruptions in medical services. The NMA has called on the state government to engage in meaningful dialogue and take immediate steps to resolve the issues to prevent further deterioration of the healthcare system.
The doctors’ strike in Ogun State highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s healthcare system, where many state-employed medical professionals feel undervalued and underpaid compared to their federal counterparts. This situation has led to widespread dissatisfaction and an increasing number of medical professionals seeking opportunities abroad, further exacerbating the country’s healthcare challenges.
As the strike continues, the NMA remains firm in its resolve to fight for equitable pay and better working conditions, urging the Ogun State government to prioritize the welfare of its medical workforce to ensure sustainable and quality healthcare for all residents.
