The Federal Government has started talks with the Nigerian Medical Association to prevent a planned doctors’ strike over a new circular that doctors say violates previous agreements.
On July 2, the NMA gave a 21-day notice, demanding that the government withdraw a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which made changes to allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service.
The association said the changes were not agreed upon and would affect the welfare of medical professionals. The deadline for the ultimatum was July 23.
However, discussions have now started between the NMA and top government bodies, including the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Finance, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, told PUNCH Online on Wednesday that the government has shown interest in solving the issues.
“We’ve started deliberations yesterday (Tuesday), and we will continue today (Wednesday) to provide definitive solutions,” Audu said.
He explained that the concerns raised by the doctors were being looked into in two parts — already agreed matters that need implementation, and new concerns that need more talks.
“All we are asking them to do is that we have agreements that need to be taken into account during reviews, and they have agreed to sit with us to look at those documents with them and learn how to apply them to the review,” he added.
Audu also confirmed that progress had been made on the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund.
“Already, the Medical Residency Training Fund is being addressed; we have had a substantial part of the 2025 residency training fund paid already.”
He said the NMA is hopeful that if the talks continue in this manner, the strike may not happen.
“If the Federal Government continues to address these concerns the way we have started, and we have a logical conclusion, it is most unlikely that there will be a strike,” he said.
“Also, all other issues we raised are being addressed. So, we are making progress on all fronts.”
