The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), South-West Caucus, has declared full support for the ongoing nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which is demanding improved welfare and a better working environment.
In a jointly signed statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, the Caucus Chairman, Dr. Adeniyi Fasanu, and Secretary, Dr. Akinluyi, said the association stood firmly behind NARD’s decision to embark on strike.
The statement expressed displeasure with the outcome of the emergency delegates’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the NMA to address the situation.
“We condemn the silence of the National Officers Committee (NOC) on the progress of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) meeting.
“It was observed that negotiations between the NMA, the Federal Government, and the Ministry of Health have not met the expectations of our members.
“The Federal Government’s attention has not been adequately drawn to the deplorable working conditions and poor remuneration of Nigerian doctors, which remain sub-optimal,” the statement read.
The Caucus urged the Federal Government to demonstrate greater commitment to addressing the poor state of the nation’s health system and improving doctors’ welfare.
It added that the NMA South-West zone fully supported resolutions by State Chairmen to gather members’ signatures in preparation for an Emergency Draft Memorandum (EDM).
The association commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State for making doctors in the state the highest paid in the South-West and for his continued commitment to the welfare of health workers.
It also appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for heeding the demands of medical practitioners and ensuring industrial harmony at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital.
