The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ondo State has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to change the allowances given to medical and dental officers working in federal public service.
This decision was made public in a statement released after an emergency meeting held in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
The statement, shared with journalists on Thursday, was signed by the NMA state chairman, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa, and the secretary, Dr. Olaopa Gideon.
The statement said the new circular from the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, which plans to review doctors’ allowances, has caused serious concern among health workers.
The NMA called the circular unfair, especially at a time when Nigeria is facing a shortage of health workers due to the “japa” trend — where many doctors leave the country for better opportunities. Those who remain are overloaded with work.
They also mentioned other problems doctors face, such as poor salaries, bad working conditions, and unpaid wages from the past.
After carefully studying the circular and its likely effects, the Ondo NMA said it strongly disapproves of the government’s plan.
The association also supported the demands made by the national body of the NMA, including an immediate withdrawal of the circular and a 300% salary increase for all medical and dental workers.
They called on the government to apply the new salary structure to all doctors, including those working in state ministries, private hospitals, universities, and among house officers.
They also demanded that salary adjustments should follow the agreements made in 2001, 2009, and 2014. They want the government to fix the salary gap between two major healthcare pay structures (CONMESS and CONHESS), pay all outstanding call duty allowances, and settle all backlogs.
The association urged senior doctors to speak up in support of the profession, saying that their voices can help make the fight stronger.
Finally, the Ondo NMA told its members to stay alert and be ready in case they are called to take part in a strike or other actions.
